Hogwart's Express

[Pontifex Maximus]

The typical form of transportation for students to and From Hogwarts. This is likely the place where students will first meet one another.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus' family stood on the busy platform, having just emerged from the hidden entrance on the other side. Hogwarts express was already beginning to fill with the new students, seemingly hundreds of them. In all honesty this was the largest concentration of wizards Atticus had ever seen, and it was strangely exciting. His parents were not very sentimental, some simple parting words, smiles, and hugs were all they needed. Before long Atticus was headed up the steps to the train, ready to board. A shrill whistle sounded, indicating departure was only five minutes away.

Since when had he acquired so much luggage? His arms were burning as he settled into an empty compartment. He stowed his belongings, but Regis refused to go into his cage. He sat on the chair next to Atticus blinking before settling onto his lap. Atticus brushed his long, black hair out of his eyes and peered out the window, absentmindedly stroking Regis feeling very alone for the first time.

[Watercress]

'So, you just walk right into that wall?'

'Yes, yes. Is that so difficult to understand, mother?' Tristan replied, with some irritation.

'Don't blame me when you get a nasty bang to the head, dear.' His mother said dryly.

Tristan sighed. His was still concerned his mother didn't really believe the reality of this situation. Perhaps she felt it was some strange prank or game Tristan was up to. Sensing his thoughts, his mother bent down to talk to him.

'Now dear, don't be that way. I am here for you, and for whatever you want to do. Now, do enjoy yourself.'

She kissed him tenderly on the forehead, before stepping back, and helping Tristan gather up his luggage. He had numerous briefcases, backpacks, and other bags, all hastily connected to his body. Tristan looked more like some unidentifiable luggage blob than a eleven-year old student. It was a wonder that he was able to walk, let alone retain his composure. He looked up at the wall. This was the threshold, he thought. The final gateway into a new, wonderful life. No more strife, no more turmoil. Just magic, learning, and good graces. His spirit lifted by this, he mustered some un-found strength, and bidding his mother goodbye, he rushed at Platform Nine and Three Quarters.

[Xion]

Violeta, being suspicious of how to get to the Hogwarts Express was the last one out of her uncle, cousin and herself to enter Platform 9 3/4. After hearing the whistle, Gregorie helps the two girls load their large amount of luggage, then smiles.

"Enjoy yourselves, you two." he waves as the girls go to store their luggage into a conpartment, then closing the door as they sit down, staring out the window at the moving crowd of people or trying to find their uncle in that crowd, who had moved to a column and is leaning on it. Ashley quietly eats some every flavour jelly beans as well, while Violeta starts to switch her gaze from the window to the door whenever she sees a figure pass by.

[Barry Goldwater]

"Now behave yourself, Cecil. Remember that your mum and dad still work with the Ministry, and that out of all your siblings you'll be carrying the family name."

"I know, I know, auntie," Cecil responded as he gathered his luggage and prepared to board the train, annoyed at the constant reminders his aunt and uncle had been peppering him with. "That's the sixth time you've told me that. You don't have to worry so much about me, you know."

"Oh, but I will regardless. You are our nephew, after all." His Aunt Rhonda kissed him on the forehead while his Uncle Charles clapped him on the back and motioned towards the train.

"Well then Cecil, get moving. Do the Florent name proud. And don't forget to write, it won't just be us reading your letters - your parents will want to know how you're doing, too."

"Remember what mum said - don't pick any fights, don't get mad at the professors, and always keep safe, big brother," Cecil's youngest sister Joan said, just as he had finally gotten Orestes into a cage.

"'Course, there's no need to worry about me," the proud soon-to-be first year answered. He embraced Joan tightly, secretly hoping he'd have enough adventures over the year to keep her entertained over the summer.

With a last wave to his family, Cecil boarded the train for the first time in his life, and hurried through the various compartments, finally settling in an almost-completely empty one with Atticus and Violeta. "Hullo there," he said as he entered, waving and flashing a friendly smile at the pair even while he held his head high. "You won't mind if I have a seat here, would you?"

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus was almost nodding off when Regis suddenly sprung to his feet and bolted out the compartment door

"REGIS, GET BACK HERE!"

But it was no use, the damned cat had run right out into the corridor and was already streaking to some unknown destination. Atticus jumped to his feet and ran after the overstimulated cat, finding it in the entryway of Violeta's compartment, hissing violently at the caged owls. Atticus quickly picked the cat up and stood stupidly in front of the door, not sure how to proceed. After several moments of awkward staring, Atticus entered the compartment.

Err, mind if I join you?

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus shifted uncomfortably, this kid had an cat too...Suddenly he was very self-conscious about Regis...he better not attack anything...Clutching Regis close to himself, he held out a hand

Hullo, my name's Atticus, Atticus Prince.

"This is how you met new people, right?" Suddenly Atticus was strangely aware of hos sweaty his hand was

[Xion]

Violeta stares at the two boys and their cats, while Ashley stops eating the jelly beans for a second and smiles.

"Hello. I'm Ashley Dalca. A pleasure to meet you both..do sit down if you want. Want a jelly bean?"

Violeta moves over to sit with Ashley so they can occupy the other side.

[Barry Goldwater]

Cecil took Atticus's hand before stating, "I'm Cecil, Cecil Florent. Nice to meet all of you, too," before seating himself opposite to the girls, flashing a smile toward Ashley and Violeta both. "I'll have to pass on the beans, though. Just ate a bogey-flavored one earlier this morning, can't say I'm in any rush to repeat the experience."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Well this wasn't so bad at all...

Nice cat! Mine is Regis...

He turned to Ashley

Sorry he tried to kill your owl, he's usually well behaved for the most part.

Atticus took a bean and popped it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully

Mud-flavored. Oh, dear..

He swallowed it with difficulty

[Xion]

Cecil took Atticus's hand before stating, "I'm Cecil, Cecil Florent. Nice to meet all of you, too," before seating himself opposite to the girls, flashing a smile toward Ashley and Violeta both. "I'll have to pass on the beans, though. Just ate a bogey-flavored one earlier this morning, can't say I'm in any rush to repeat the experience."

"Oh. I suppose that is the risk with these..I've been lucky so far..worst one I had was a black licorice one, so far."

Well this wasn't so bad at all...

Nice cat! Mine is Regis...

He turned to Ashley

Sorry he tried to kill your owl, he's usually well behaved for the most part.

Atticus took a bean and popped it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully

Mud-flavored. Oh, dear..

He swallowed it with difficulty

Violeta turns away from staring at a figure that moved by, and speaks with a clear Eastern European accent while staring at the cats.
"Interesting animals." She then looks at Ashley. "I thought you did not get the owl?"
"Not that one. It's my father's old owl. Gave it to me to use for this year..and it's fine. Cats can be like that."

[Barry Goldwater]

Well this wasn't so bad at all...

Nice cat! Mine is Regis...

He turned to Ashley

Sorry he tried to kill your owl, he's usually well behaved for the most part.

Atticus took a bean and popped it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully

Mud-flavored. Oh, dear..

He swallowed it with difficulty

"Thanks! Yours looks pretty tough, too. Mine's Orestes."

Cecil chuckled as Atticus tried to swallow the mud-flavored bean. "See, this is why I passed on the beans..."

"Oh. I suppose that is the risk with these..I've been lucky so far..worst one I had was a black licorice one, so far."

"Really? You're pretty lucky, then. The bogey flavored one apparently isn't the worst, either. My cousin Jack had a vomit-flavored one just a few days ago, threw up all over the place. And I had to help him clean his mess up..."

"Anyway..." He looks from Ashley to Violeta and Atticus and back, "This is it, huh? We're off to our first year at Hogwarts, and we won't be back again for a whole year...are you guys excited?"

Atticus wanted desperately to continue the conversation

So we've got the sorting tonight, that's what my father told me. We all get together in the Great Hall and there's a feast and the, well, to be honest I kind of forgot all the details. Regis was digging his claws into my leg...he hates flying.

"Yeah, that's what I've heard too. They've got this hat to sort you into the house that suits you best, my uncle said. Let's see, what were those Houses now..." Cecil concentrated, trying to fish the names out of his memory. "Gryffindor...Hufflepuff...Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, I think."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus wanted desperately to continue the conversation

So we've got the sorting tonight, that's what my father told me. We all get together in the Great Hall and there's a feast and the, well, to be honest I kind of forgot all the details. Regis was digging his claws into my leg...he hates flying.

[Gone 2 the Celts]

Fritz, having no family to send him on his way, sullenly looked for a seat with someone preferably interesting.

[Rhapture]

Caroline took a seat in an empty cabin, her parents had not really told her much about the train ride, just that she could buy some treats on the way up. If no one came around she would have to go see where everyone was.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus beamed

Yes! Where I'm from -Spinner's End- we don't have many wizards about. It was lonely and honestly quite dull a lot of the time. I could never have them over, obviously, and my parents didn't always like me staying at muggles' houses too often just in case something happened...I accidentally set fire to my neighbor's hedge once....

I'd better go Slytherin...my Father'd kill me if I wasn't...

[Kip]

Weatherby Wiggins felt like he would be smothered before he ever had a chance to board the train. His mother's embrace was stifling, but he savored the smell of her honeysuckle perfume one last time before leaving the only home he'd ever known for months.

"Be good, my sweet," she said, her eyes glazed, betraying the tears that were about to come. Penelope Wiggins would hide them until he left, but Weatherby knew that this moment was breaking her heart. "Write me often!"

"I will, mum," Weatherby said quietly. He kept his voice low - he didn't want the other schoolchildren on the platform to hear the embarrassing exchange, but he also didn't want them to hear his voice quiver, both with excitement and sadness.

His younger sister, Waverly, held onto Penelope's hip, and bawled openly. "Don't worry Wave," he whispered, exchanging his mother's embrace for hers. "I won't be gone long. Before you know it, you'll be joining me on the train!" He pushed a black bang out of her eyes and smiled. How difficult it was to comfort someone when all you wanted was to be comforted yourself, he thought. She nodded and released him, resuming clutching their mother's dress at the knee.

Weatherby heaved his bags onto his shoulder and mounted the train's rider. He turned back one more time.

"Don't forget to say hello to Ginevra for us! Learn lots, have fun, and don't forget - we love you, always!"

Weatherby waved his last goodbye, mouthing "I love you too" above the train's whistle and the roar of the engine, and turned onto the train, looking for a seat.

He passed a cabin full of students, and hesitated at the door. Should he ask to join them? Is that rude? Finally, after an awkward moment of baited breath, he poked his head in the door. "May I take a seat with you?" he finally asked, his voice light and nervous.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus motioned for Weatherby to take the empty seat next to him. Meanwhile, Regis had decided that Atticus was making too much movement, and went to sit on Cecil's lap.

Hi there, I'm Atticus and this is....Atticus struggled to recall all the names of his new friends -he relished the thought-...Violeta, Ashley and Cecil.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Atticus flashed a smile at Cecil

I've been practicing a bit, care to see?

[Barry Goldwater]

Atticus flashed a smile at Cecil

I've been practicing a bit, care to see?

Cecil grins. "Oh ho, have you now? Sure, let's see!"

Orestes, meanwhile, hissed at Regis from his cage. "Hey, don't do that! I like meeting new people, so why don't you like meeting new cats?"

Violeta nods at the newcomer while Ashley extends the offer of a jelly bean again.

"Gryffindor and Slytherin for you two, eh? My father says I'll end up in Ravenclaw while Violeta will probably go to either Slytherin or Ravenclaw. As for spells, I want to learn alot about Herbology and Potions."

Violeta smirks quietly before replying.
"I wish to master three spells that my parents told me about. Incendio, Flagrante, and Fiendfyre...and learn more as well, like Transfiguration and Hexes."

"A Ravenclaw and another Slytherin, huh? Looks like we just need a Hufflepuff now," Cecil chuckles. "And Incendio, Flagrante...so, a fan of fire, huh? What's Fiendfyre, though? I've only heard my dad talk about it once, and that was years ago. Still sounds wicked, though."