4 Dec 2019, 05:15
Aboard the Train
Erika boarded the train only a few minutes after it pulled into the station while most people were still mingled about, saying their goodbyes, gathering their luggage, and doing whatever else they needed to do last minute before the departure. She easily found an empty cabin and slipped in, tossed her trunk carelessly on one of the seats, and rushed over to the window where she began frantically waving to get her parents’ attention. She wanted to let them know she had found a seat and that she was good to go, but she feared if she wasn't expressive enough through her motions, they wouldn't get what she was trying to tell them. So, naturally, she went over the top in an unnecessary game of charades.
Once they spotted her and seemingly got the message she was trying to send — her mom waving back and her father giving a thumbs up — she retreated back into the cabin and began situating her things. Climbing onto one of the seats, she lifted her heavy trunk into the storage shelf above her head, struggling just to reach it. Upon success, she plopped back down onto the seat with a sigh and rolled her now sore shoulders.
She’d picked a spot near the window of the cabin so she could wave to her family as the train pulled out, like she’d always seen done in movies. Truth be told, she had never had a departure of this nature. Sure, maybe when she moved to England a little over a year ago, but when she left then she went with her family and they took a plane, not a train.
Regardless, she wanted to make the most of this experience while she still had the chance. She even took the time to make a bucket list, which was currently tucked safely away somewhere in the bottom of her trunk. And while she was going to a magical school, most of the things on the list had nothing to do with magic, but simply with attending a boarding school. In every way possible, she had vowed to take magic out of the equation during her experience at Hogwarts.
But it was still going to be a little while before the train departed and Erika was the only passenger in her cabin — potentially the only one on board. Patience had never been a virtue of hers and the brunette quickly grew bored. Having forgotten to bring anything to entertain herself with that would work without WiFi and without disturbing others, a large oversight on her part, all Erika could do was sit and watch absentmindedly as people buzzed about the station outside.
She pulled out the wand she got from Olivander’s as she fussed about in her seat, the foreign object fitting strangely in her pocket. She examined its spindly wood a second time and observed the way it radiated a dull warmth into the palm of her hand. Every so often she could feel it pulsate, like a heartbeat. It was a very strange sensation, especially coming from an inanimate object. But then a sudden disturbing thought occurred to her: what if it wasn't inanimate? What if it was actually alive?
Unnerved, Erika dropped the wand suddenly onto the seat next to her and stared at it intently. She dared it to move. To spark. To spontaneously combust. Something!
But nothing happened.
Erika couldn’t say for sure how long she stared at the wand for, nor could she tell if the sigh she released was a result of relief or disappointment. Nonetheless, she left her wand sitting on the cushion next to her and turned her attention back to the window. More people were boarding the train now and she looked over at the sliding glass doors of the cabin every so often as a student passed by. Some were wearing uniforms, like her, and some wore civilian clothing. Some were older and wore distinctively colored ties, scarves, and badges, while others were young and fresh-faced. Like her. Since she picked a cabin near the front of the train, Erika knew it was only a matter of time before someone decided to sit with her. It was just a matter of when and who.
Granted, she wasn’t very concerned with the "who" part of the equation, as long as they weren’t assholes. If there was someone her age she could become friends with, she was happy. And even if there wasn’t, maybe the upperclassmen could help by giving her some tips and advice regarding magic and the school. God knows she could use it.
But what she was most concerned about was when these people would arrive. She was already getting restless; drumming her fingers, fidgeting with the edge of her skirt (which she was not happy to be wearing, by the way), and bouncing her legs. It was all she could do to keep from jumping around the small cabin and greeting everyone who passed by, but that's definitely not what she wanted her reputation to be like. She wasn't the excited, exuberant little kid oblivious to the ways of magic and just hoping to "make friends" and "have a fun time". Sure, those things might be nice, but she wanted people to look up to her, not down on her.
7 Dec 2019, 06:38
Aboard the Train
It was definitely not Waverly's first time seeing a train, but it was her first time seeing one so bright and boldly red. Steam billowed from, sometimes clouding the station up. It was long enough to make her wonder how many students exactly were going to be going to be attending. Waverly was used to a few hundred students but the amount of wizards and witches running about the station now made her uneasy.
She stood near a column with her Aunt Urania, who was deep in a conversation concerning astrology with another wizard. She was supposed to be seeing Waverly off on her first day of school but she supposed that they'd get to that point eventually. Waverly wasn't ready to board the train yet, since she felt like it was too early, so she decided to people-and-place-watch.
There was a big diversity of students, it appeared. Some were dark skinned, some were light skinned, some spoke different languages, and others didn't look fully human. Some carried all kinds of trinkets and pets while others hastily made their way towards the train, carrying the smallest amount of things as possible. Waverly just brought everything on her list, along with clothes for outside the school hours and some souvenirs she collected in past few months. All of this was packed away in her cart.
Less than thirty minutes ago she had ran through a wall, a literal one. That was the peak of her day so far, and she couldn't wait to tell her father about it. Urania had told her about Platform 9¾ but not much else, leaving Waverly to wander around the station frantically looking for a platform in between platforms. She asked station masters but all they did was shake their heads at her like she was crazy, or possibly pulling their tails.
Finally, after her laughing, Urania explained how Waverly was to run through a wall to get to the platform. She didn't believe her at first until the woman did it herself. Then Waverly became concerned about her cart, and whether she'd be able to take it along. An older student came by though and showed her how to do it, running through the barrier themselves.
Now she was standing there waiting for the right time to board. Urania then got her attention. “Have you everything you need?”
“Yes...” Waverly looked long at hooting owl nearby. “I wish my dad wasn't allergic to most animals, though.”
Urania laughed, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Magical pets aren't allergenic, my dear. Unless your father is indeed magic and suspectable to certain species by certain cause, then no, you can purchase anything you want and he'll be fine...we hope.”
Waverly smiled but she was still unsure. Her aunt frowned, concerned for her niece, but then decided give her a piece of advice. “A clever mug—I mean, non-magic—I—” Urania clucked her teeth in annoyance with herself. “Hmph, you are a witch and I shall speak freely with you because of it. As I was saying, a clever muggle once said, 'We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.'”
“Who said that?”
“King Luther Martin, I think, or maybe it was the other way around? I forget.” Urania shrugged, and Drew her attention to the red freight. “I remember my first days...but that was oh so long ago. You, my dear, are beginning a great journey, for it's you who make it great, and I know of your potential.”
Waverly wanted to reminf her that she barely knew her, only have met her two months ago, but she wanted to be kind on this beautiful and special day. She thanked the woman and grabbed her belongings. After hugging and wishing each other well, Waverly made her way towards the train. After handing the heavier items to the porter, she got on and focused on her new task, finding a seat.
The train was full of small compartments, some full while others were empty. Waverly wasn't sure which one she wanted to join. It was usually easy for her to be bold and make new friends but this was a very new environment for her and there were different rules, or at least she thought. No one looked inherently different, most like any other teenager, but the difference was that they weren't muggles, they could wield magic.
She stuffed her free hand in her cloak, which she hoped was appropriate to wear. Most people wore casual things or just their uniform but Waverly liked her cloak, it made her feel... mystical. Underneath it she wore a blue sweater and a black pencil skirt, along with worn sneakers. In her other hand she carried a small bag, which held some personal items and her wand.
After doubling back, not wanting to be too deep in the train to take forever to get off, Waverly found a compartment that drew her attention. She was thinking about her wand and her eyes caught on the sight of one laying on a seat. She looked up and found a girl who sitting by herself inside. The girl had chosen a seat near the front of the train, which pleased Waverly. The girl looked friendly enough so she greeted her.
“Hi, I'm Waverly. Can I join you?” She glanced at the girl's wand again. “I like your wand—what's it made of?” Waverly felt a little weird after asking; was it normal to ask that sort of thing? She wasn't sure if wand components made people judge one another in this society, but really she had only asked out of curiosity, and to be polite.
𝐖. 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 | Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.
She stood near a column with her Aunt Urania, who was deep in a conversation concerning astrology with another wizard. She was supposed to be seeing Waverly off on her first day of school but she supposed that they'd get to that point eventually. Waverly wasn't ready to board the train yet, since she felt like it was too early, so she decided to people-and-place-watch.
There was a big diversity of students, it appeared. Some were dark skinned, some were light skinned, some spoke different languages, and others didn't look fully human. Some carried all kinds of trinkets and pets while others hastily made their way towards the train, carrying the smallest amount of things as possible. Waverly just brought everything on her list, along with clothes for outside the school hours and some souvenirs she collected in past few months. All of this was packed away in her cart.
Less than thirty minutes ago she had ran through a wall, a literal one. That was the peak of her day so far, and she couldn't wait to tell her father about it. Urania had told her about Platform 9¾ but not much else, leaving Waverly to wander around the station frantically looking for a platform in between platforms. She asked station masters but all they did was shake their heads at her like she was crazy, or possibly pulling their tails.
Finally, after her laughing, Urania explained how Waverly was to run through a wall to get to the platform. She didn't believe her at first until the woman did it herself. Then Waverly became concerned about her cart, and whether she'd be able to take it along. An older student came by though and showed her how to do it, running through the barrier themselves.
Now she was standing there waiting for the right time to board. Urania then got her attention. “Have you everything you need?”
“Yes...” Waverly looked long at hooting owl nearby. “I wish my dad wasn't allergic to most animals, though.”
Urania laughed, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Magical pets aren't allergenic, my dear. Unless your father is indeed magic and suspectable to certain species by certain cause, then no, you can purchase anything you want and he'll be fine...we hope.”
Waverly smiled but she was still unsure. Her aunt frowned, concerned for her niece, but then decided give her a piece of advice. “A clever mug—I mean, non-magic—I—” Urania clucked her teeth in annoyance with herself. “Hmph, you are a witch and I shall speak freely with you because of it. As I was saying, a clever muggle once said, 'We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.'”
“Who said that?”
“King Luther Martin, I think, or maybe it was the other way around? I forget.” Urania shrugged, and Drew her attention to the red freight. “I remember my first days...but that was oh so long ago. You, my dear, are beginning a great journey, for it's you who make it great, and I know of your potential.”
Waverly wanted to reminf her that she barely knew her, only have met her two months ago, but she wanted to be kind on this beautiful and special day. She thanked the woman and grabbed her belongings. After hugging and wishing each other well, Waverly made her way towards the train. After handing the heavier items to the porter, she got on and focused on her new task, finding a seat.
The train was full of small compartments, some full while others were empty. Waverly wasn't sure which one she wanted to join. It was usually easy for her to be bold and make new friends but this was a very new environment for her and there were different rules, or at least she thought. No one looked inherently different, most like any other teenager, but the difference was that they weren't muggles, they could wield magic.
She stuffed her free hand in her cloak, which she hoped was appropriate to wear. Most people wore casual things or just their uniform but Waverly liked her cloak, it made her feel... mystical. Underneath it she wore a blue sweater and a black pencil skirt, along with worn sneakers. In her other hand she carried a small bag, which held some personal items and her wand.
After doubling back, not wanting to be too deep in the train to take forever to get off, Waverly found a compartment that drew her attention. She was thinking about her wand and her eyes caught on the sight of one laying on a seat. She looked up and found a girl who sitting by herself inside. The girl had chosen a seat near the front of the train, which pleased Waverly. The girl looked friendly enough so she greeted her.
“Hi, I'm Waverly. Can I join you?” She glanced at the girl's wand again. “I like your wand—what's it made of?” Waverly felt a little weird after asking; was it normal to ask that sort of thing? She wasn't sure if wand components made people judge one another in this society, but really she had only asked out of curiosity, and to be polite.
𝐖. 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 | Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.
11 Dec 2019, 23:09
Aboard the Train
Erika leapt to her feet as the cabin door slid open, revealing a small blonde girl. The brunette assumed they were about the same age, judging from the other’s appearance and attire; the girl was young of face and body, and the cloak she wore over her slight frame donned no distinct house colors or emblems, unlike the ones she had seen other students flaunt, so she was likely a first-year. Regardless, Erika found the cloak cool and mysterious, though she figured only a first-year who was a truly wizard-born would choose to wear something so definitively wizard-like on their first day.
“Hi, I'm Waverly,” the witch introduced herself politely, “Can I join you?”
Realizing she was still standing rigidly in the center of the cabin for absolutely no reason, Erika awkwardly sat back down, the back of her skirt sprawling out behind her. She still wasn’t used to wearing it — she had never been a skirt type of girl.
“Sure, come on in. I’m definitely not going to use all this space myself,” Erika said, trying to disguise the nervous jitter in her voice as that caused by excitement. She offered a sheepish grin to seal the act and gestured to the seats around her. She was suddenly more nervous knowing that she was in a room with a real witch. What were they supposed to talk about? What if she embarrassed herself or accidentally angered her and was sent up in flames?
“I like your wand — what's it made of?”
"Ah." Erika’s eyes shot to her side where her ashen brown wand rested on the velvet cushion. She’d forgotten all about it. She picked it up and held it in her palm, examining it once more. Everything that weirded her out before was still present — the radiating warmth, the dull pulse, the signs of life where there shouldn’t be any. She grimaced.
“The old man said it was walnut wood and… phoenix feather?” she said slowly, pocketing the branch and returning her gaze to Waverly. “Why?” she quickly added, perhaps coming off as a bit defensive.
@Waverly McLefford
13 Dec 2019, 07:38
Aboard the Train
Waverly took another moment to look at the girl before taking a seat across from her. She was glad to finally be seated but she felt quiet antsy. She wished that she had brought something to use her hands with, like a fidget spinner or a stress ball; Waverly had anxiety attacks sometimes which usually resulted in negative behavior, and she didn't want her first impression to be unpleasant.
After smiling at the girl's joke, Waverly glanced the girl's skirt, then down at her own outfit. Of course she couldn't see what she was wearing because her cloak was covering it. Waverly slid off the outwear and folded it carefully on her lap; now one could see that she was wearing a skirt similar to the other girl's, except it seemed like Waverly was a bit more comfortable in her outfit.
Waverly watched as the girl picked up her wand. She thought about her own, which was burrowed somewhere in her bag...or was it? After patting herself, she found that it was in her back pocket; she'd need to be more careful less she wanted to snap the thing. But Waverly felt like the wand was way more durable than it looked, since it contained magic.
“The old man said it was walnut wood and… phoenix feather?” said the girl. Her eyes shout towards Waverly. “Why?” she added, a little defensively, she guessed.
Her eyebrows rose a little. “Oh, I was just...curious. I'm Waverley, by the way.” Waverly lifted up her own wand for emphasis. “Mine's made of cherry wood and dragon heartstring.”
Now, Waverly didn't know the magnitude of this fact in the wizarding world, but she did know that dragons were absolutely magnificent, which is why she was beaming with excitement as she fiddled with her wand. Being a witch gave her such strange sensations, indeed.
She suddenly sat up straight in her seat, locking her wide eyes on the girl. “Have you ever seen a phoenix before? Or a dragon?” She wondered if these people saw regular sightings, because she did remember hearing that the Ministry had ways of hiding magical beasts from muggle eyes. Even though Waverly wasn't a muggle, she hadn't seen one.
@Erika Meyer
𝐖. 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 | Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.
After smiling at the girl's joke, Waverly glanced the girl's skirt, then down at her own outfit. Of course she couldn't see what she was wearing because her cloak was covering it. Waverly slid off the outwear and folded it carefully on her lap; now one could see that she was wearing a skirt similar to the other girl's, except it seemed like Waverly was a bit more comfortable in her outfit.
Waverly watched as the girl picked up her wand. She thought about her own, which was burrowed somewhere in her bag...or was it? After patting herself, she found that it was in her back pocket; she'd need to be more careful less she wanted to snap the thing. But Waverly felt like the wand was way more durable than it looked, since it contained magic.
“The old man said it was walnut wood and… phoenix feather?” said the girl. Her eyes shout towards Waverly. “Why?” she added, a little defensively, she guessed.
Her eyebrows rose a little. “Oh, I was just...curious. I'm Waverley, by the way.” Waverly lifted up her own wand for emphasis. “Mine's made of cherry wood and dragon heartstring.”
Now, Waverly didn't know the magnitude of this fact in the wizarding world, but she did know that dragons were absolutely magnificent, which is why she was beaming with excitement as she fiddled with her wand. Being a witch gave her such strange sensations, indeed.
She suddenly sat up straight in her seat, locking her wide eyes on the girl. “Have you ever seen a phoenix before? Or a dragon?” She wondered if these people saw regular sightings, because she did remember hearing that the Ministry had ways of hiding magical beasts from muggle eyes. Even though Waverly wasn't a muggle, she hadn't seen one.
@Erika Meyer
𝐖. 𝐋. 𝐌𝐜𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 | Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.