A Ride with the Dead

[Proleptic]

Felix wasn't one to laugh at other's misfortune, but he couldn't suppress the slight snicker that worked its way out when he saw and heard the girl plop onto her bum. Felix's bright smile got just a little brighter from that, and when she accepted his hand he pulled her up graciously, and apologetically. From what little Felix knew about the school, he could see that she was apparently a Slytherin house member, or at least that's what he thought. He wasn't quite sure if the green house was Slytherin or not, but when his eyes fell on the badge pinned to the girl's chest his suspicions were confirmed. A proud serpent emblem along with the title of 'Slytherin' was displayed on one of the several badges that adorned the girl.

Felix straightened his suit and smoothed out some wrinkles as he mussed up his hair a little bit, though the rather tight curls almost immediately rebelled, returning to their original fixation. He heard the girl making some sort of comment about being drenched twice, but didn't pay enough attention to catch the context. It wasn't until she was addressing him that he tuned back in. Felix was curious as to how she knew him, but didn't suppose it mattered. "I'd be happy to join you," he said, respectfully inclining his head.

Felix, ever the gentleman, offered his arm for her to hold while they walked about the train, and awaited her acceptance. Of course, it was perfectly possible that she would refuse his arm, which would be highly embarrassing for him, but she seemed the kind who was used to being respected.

 

[Kuroshi]

Morgan has been simply sitting in with all of the other Slytherin students, reading a book. Not being a perfect she wouldn't expect to do much on the train if anything, which was kind of boring. She wanted to get to Hogwarts already, duel some people and play sports. It was what her life revolved around, she loved adrenaline pumping through her. She was almost tempted to go see what Catherine was up to, probably just Head Girl duties, but she thought it would be wrong to bother her if that were the case.

She paid little to no attention to her surroundings while captivated by this book. Said book would be The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. It was rather interesting, a man suddenly transforming into an anthropomorphized insect monster. She lived in a world full of magic, but still had an interest in science fiction. I mean sure, she could easily just turn someone into an insect with magic and watch the aftermath but that'd be completely different from reading a story and watching things go as the writer intended.. though probably still funny as all hell. She made a mental note of that idea.

She set the book down after reading it for a long while to study what was happening currently, which would not be much as far as she could tell. From her bag she grabbed her wand. She wanted to have some fun, fix the boredom she was feeling just sitting there. A yawn escaped her mouth as she stood up from her seat and stretched. She readied her wand before pointing it at a random Slytherin in the carriage. They were probably a first year, looked muggle-born or at least a half-blood, this would be a.. fun way to start off their schooling at hogwarts.

A green blast of magical energy shot from the wand as she casted a transfiguration spell at the kid. If it wasn't clear, it would be relating to her book. On contact the spell forced the boy's head to transform into that of a giant horse fly. She smirked before sitting back down as the boy panicked at the sudden change. She would reverse the spell... when she felt like it. For now she would let people, and herself, laugh at the fly-boy.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Iskandera blinked as she stared at oliver for a few seconds in silence, needing a minute to process what he had said and actually break it down. She was used to having to think a little bit to understand English, and she took pride in her ability to understand others in this place as fluently as she did. But this particular accent had her thrown for a loop as she stammered out.

"Uh, yes. Indeed. Umm...Inspection." She said, getting back on track as she looked around the cabin, something odd catching her attention due to Iskandera looking for something or anything to take her mind off of being flustered at something so foolish. "There doesn't seem to be a lot of people in here. Did you just come to this car, or have you been here a while?"

 

[Jason Vaiken]

Catherine smiled and said, "I'm sorry sir, but we don't really do that with people we just met in Britain. If you would be so kind to follow me?" With that she pointed her wand at his bags and said, "Locomotor" and the bag began to follow behind her as she held her wand up. "First thing is first, I'm Head Girl, essentially Adam and me are in charge of the prefects and any other job the Headmaster requires of us. We can help patrol the schools in times of crisis, we are chosen based on our academics, popularity, and, if you could believe it, kindness. We get access to some pretty interesting perks as well, such as our own private cart and bathroom. We also get privy to some other interesting pieces of information as long as it is an aid to our duties."

She pauses for a moment and lowers his trunk to the ground as she goes and pokes her head in a few compartments and chats amiably with a few of the first years making sure they feel comfortable before moving on and repeats the spell and hovers his suitcase around.

She turns around and takes a deep breath, "Now onto the fun stuff, the mandatory spiel about how amazing this school is."

"So I'm sure you know about how the school is organized, the classes we offer, and the various clubs we have. That would all be in our pamphlet and be explained to you by the official that met with you and arranged your lodgings. But, what I can offer you is some advice. The first is, is that like anything in life, Hogwarts is what you make it, it can be wonderful, awful, or just plain mediocre. So, let me be frank, all the houses are great, they each represent a virtue in life. Yet, each house has its flaws. Hufflepuffs tend to if their friends dislike someone, they dislike them as well without giving them a chance, Gryffindors can be cruel in their pursuit of glory and look down on the weak- just as often as they protect them, Ravenclaws are utter bastards when it comes to grades, and we Slytherins are notorious for our views on blood-status as well as being cutthroat. Yet, there are exceptions and contradictions, if you join Slytherin, you are a member of the fraternity, it is only out of Slytherin that are nastier aspects are shown because, we are ambitious- we know what we like and we seize it."

She glances into a compartment and smiles, "Here you go, you have a lot to think of, I hope that you enjoy your time here and if you need me, don't hesitate to find me." She easily puts his trunk in and after he walks in closes the compartment with a deft flick of her wand and takes a seat in the Prefect cart and calls for Nora who appears in a heartbeat with the normal sharp crack of someone apparating in.

"Nora, be a dear and can you get me some of those tea-cakes of yours, they are quite palatable and I am quite peckish."

"Yes, mistress, Nora will be back soon."

"You are a treasure Nora, thank you."

With that she dissaparates.

- A Train Ride Later -​

The Hogwarts Express is being emptied as people grab their luggage and run outside to catch their first glimmer of Hogwarts. Prewett is roaring at the top of his lungs for the First Years to head to the docks as the rest of the school waits for the Threstrals to take them to the castle. But, something caught her eyes as she blows a kiss to her youngest brother Victor who lucks quite nervous as he is led to the boats. Her hair instantly changes to a flaming orange, it's him. Well, was it too much to hope that the Aurors assigned to the school would be anyone but her estranged fiancee? Fate, does indeed have a sense of humour as she stepped into the carriage and prepared to get dropped off at school.

Frederick knew that she was still here, but the orange hair is never good, it means that someone is going to get hexed, and that someone is him. She is owed a real explanation and hopefully with the distance, she's angry, not murderous, but one could certainly hope that it's the former rather than the latter, he knows how to calm down an angry Miss Rémond, a murderous one is completely different.

Yet, their presence will certainly be felt, the Aurors stand by the train standing stoically as people gape at them, for it is not very often that Aurors show up at Hogwarts, especially Aurors that just fought and haven't had the time to fully clean up. Most of them managed to heal the cuts and scrapes but they did not want to try mending a jacket and coat whilst flying a broom.

 

[Shalken]

As Whitney looked on at the scene unfolding before her, she was too caught up in watching her long-time friend Catherine get knocked to the ground by a newcomer the Gryffindor girl did not recognize. So wrapped up in the commotion of the situation, Whit was rather oblivious to her own position. The other boy that undid Cat's Incarcerous charms whipped around suddenly, nearly bumping right into her. Even with his bright red face, Whit immediately recognized him as Adam, the boy who dated Cat a long time ago. She was so taken aback that by the time she'd composed herself to offer a response, he was already gone. She had noticed the gleaming badge pinned to his shirt, though; it was likely they'd see each other again, since Catherine was Head Girl.

Turning around to face the group again, she just narrowly avoided colliding with yet another student. She vaguely remembered him - Alden, a Slytherin that had recently taken up an interest in Potions. This was almost becoming too much for Whit; slightly claustrophobic, the car corridors were narrow enough as it was without people crowding them and bumping into each other. Offering a quick little smile and a nervous wave in response, she turned her attention back to her Slytherin friend, who by now had returned to her feet and was giving a quick run-down to the boy that had plowed into her in the first place.

By now, the space around them had more or less cleared out. Whitney crept up behind Catherine and slid her arms around her friend's abdomen, squeezing tight. "I missed you, Cat! Tell me what you did over the summer - I'm sure it's vastly more exciting than mine was," she interjected in her thick Scouse accent.

♦ ♦ ♦​

Grasping her luggage tightly, in one hand, she held Ziggy's cage in the other, the bat squeaking in protest. "Not yet, Ziggy, you'd ruin my dress! Let me change into my robes first." Stepping across the cobblestones of the school, Whitney took in the grand sight of Hogwarts. Every year, coming back felt exactly like it did the very first time, and she loved it. This time, however, something was different. Standing lined up nearby was a large group of witches and wizards she had never seen before. By the looks of their grim expressions and their mottled garb, she guessed they were likely Aurors - but why? Looking to Cat to voice her concern, Whit glanced just in time to see her friend's hair shift from its usual blonde to a very fiery orange. That was never a good sign. Following Catherine's gaze, Whitney quickly realized why. Creeping up to her friend, she whispered tremulously, "That's him, isn't it?"

 

[Proleptic]

Felix was, admittedly, surprised that she had refused his arm. It wasn't as if he was asking courting her or anything, on the contrary the thought seemed unappealing at best, and potentially vexatious at worst. All the same, his cheeks flushed pink at the denial, as it was slightly embarrassing for any gentleman to be refused so openly. Despite what Catherine had said, Felix felt confident that it was more likely simply her preference, and not something common to the British people. Smiling lightly to himself to cover up his blush, Felix's arm dropped at his side and hooked in his coat pocket. "Well then by all means, Miss Head Girl Catherine, lead the way."

Felix gave her a kind smile as said this, and awaited her direction. His luggage levitated behind him and they began walking, with Catherine leading and his luggage in tow. Catherine started on her summary of her duties at Hogwarts, as well as the houses of the school and each of their traits. Unlike what her introduction suggested, her words did little to portray the school in a positive light. Quite the contrary, after the way she described them, Felix would have been disappointed to be a member of any of the famous houses. He simply chalked that up to an unfortunately pessimistic viewpoint, and mentally decided that this girl could probably use a break from her duties, in order to relieve some stress. Perhaps a break would make this girl less huffy.

Felix didn't believe the houses were so negative as she portrayed them. She had, of course, started by saying that they are all great, but when the majority of her orientation was comprised of insults on the four houses, he had to rely on his knowledge of the delights of the Ilvermorny houses in order to remain excited for the sorting. He didn't blame Catherine for her attitude, of course, as she was likely just burnt out, but he did question the decision of whoever chose this particular girl as the ambassador to the foreign student.

Felix was pulled out of his thoughts as she flicked open the door to a compartment, revealing it to be entirely empty, by some strange magic, no doubt. Felix would have liked to sit with some random folks and meet new people, but he could wait till he got to school. There was no harm in having a few hours alone. "Well, thank you for your time, Miss Head Girl Catherine. I look forward to the year here," Felix said with a bright smile. The door slid closed with a resounding 'click', and Felix let out a held breath, pulling out his wand and twiddling it between his fingers. He took it in his wand hand, giving it a fancy swirl in the air before him and reaching up his left hand to catch the resulting glass of water.

Felix laid his wand in his lap and leaned back in his seat, taking a sip of water while he waited for the time to pass.

~~~
​

Felix flinched awake as he heard the sound of the compartment door sliding open, and subsequently the sound of glass shattering. He looked about groggily and found himself staring into the irritated face of a random man he didn't know. The man was dressed in robes and a bowler hat, and simply looked at him as if he had somehow offended him. "Wake up, sunshine, the train's arrived. Time to load off," he said blandly, before walking off with the door still ajar. Felix hardly understood what was gonig on, having just woken up, but he did look out the window to find they had stopped in a town, and he supposed that meant it was time to go.

Rising to his feet and stretching, Felix pulled his luggage from the rack and moved to leave. He felt glass crunch under his feet, and he glanced down to find the shattered remains of a goblet under his boots. He waved his wand lazily and the mess vanished, as if it had never even been there. He strolled slowly from the train and joined the congregation of first years, as he had been instructed when he enrolled here. He felt odd in the mass, as he was towering over a large group of bright-eyed eleven year olds, but he loved it anyways. He loved children, and loved answering all their questions about why he was there, and what his old school was like. Their excitement and innocence was delightful to behold.

 

[Talon maara]

As the train began to slow to a hault, the brakes hissed as a puff of steam rolled out from underneath the locomotives hull. Chris' attention moved over to his lugage, with the wave of his wand it began to slowly rise and creep forward behind his person as he ever so nervously moved towards the exit. He loved school, quit well at that, but what he hated was the constant movements, cluster and chatter of all the younger counterparts that had just arrived for the first time.

None the less he slowly crept forward passing students who randomly gathered together greeting eachother, some for the first time and others? Well, greeting eachother after not seeing eachother for a few months over the summer.

Chris never got that? It was something new to him, he was weird enough as it is he thought, now add him actually having that close of friends? He didnt know what that was like, and regardless of him trying to convince himself he was good, he did want someone he could always talk to on breaks or even the occasional chit chat inbetween maybe even during classes.

Upon Approaching a few fellow Ravenclaws he noticed that some Aurors had been standing amidst the students, ever so watchful and ever so ready. This was something he wasnt used to, the last time he seen an auror was when he was a younger child, and just like then he really didnt know what the pleasure was of their presence, All battered up, covered in dried blood, while some were just dirty.

 

[Phantom]

Sara walked out from the train, her luggage slowly floating behind her. Both her flute and wand hung from the belt on her long coat, the phoenix carving poking it's head out from the end of the wand holster. She looked around, spotting a group of fellow Ravenclaw's, she started to walk over, smiling and waving. She checked behind her to make sure that her luggage was still floating behind her, and walked over to the group of her housemates. But, as fate would have it, she did not make it.

She was not paying as much attention as she should have been, and collided with Adam Chadwick. She fell to the ground, accidentally pulling the Head boy down with her. her luggage fell with a thud, due to Sara's break in concentration and magic. It took a minute or so for her to regain her senses, and her face reddened when she saw that it was Adam, she had pulled to the ground. "Oh my God! Adam! Are you alright?"

 

[Kuroshi]

Morgan had reversed the spell previously cast when the train decided to stop. A smirk remained on her face while she grabbed her things and headed out from the carriage. She hoped not to be lectured by Catherine, sure she looked up to her but she thought that they should lighten up a bit with having a little fun. Turning part of a first year into a horse fly might be cruel to some, and Catherine, but to Mazikeen it was just playing around. She had a strange sense of humor, which could probably bite her later on.

She fully expected Catherine to hear about what she did on the train eventually, so she needed to find a way to explain things to her. She might get detention, but she kind of did what she did to get Cat's attention in a way. She was doing Head Girl duties on the train, so why not stir up a situation to defuse? It didn't end up working, but still.

She took her bags and began walking out to hopefully go sit with Catherine on one of the boats.. which ended up being all for not when she saw someone hugging her. When she saw the hot amber tones consume Cat's hair she knew something was going on, and put aside her jealousy to walk up and investigate the situation. After making her way to the two women she spoke, "Hey Cat, Whit, what's up?.." She noticed both of them were looking at someone, and turned her gaze to their focus. "Someone getting hexed?"

~~~~~~~​

Erin Had stayed relatively silent during the entire train ride, simply reading a book about different magical creatures. She really liked learning about different animals, it was a strange interest at first but after taking the class relating to them she fell in love. When the train halted, she continued to read for a few seconds before closing the book and petting her bat who ended up falling asleep in her hood. A smile was brought to her face, she thought that it was rather cute. Azrael was actually quite tame for a bat, which was nice since Erin would be able to skip out on carrying a cage with her. She would have one in the dorm so that no hufflepuff students would be terrorized by the small winged creature at night.

Stepping out from the perfects cabin she went to go find Adam or Whit, maybe sit with one of them. She didn't know many people at Hogwarts, and really only knew people from clubs or Perfect duties. It was rather sad, but she didn't mind too much. As long as she knew a few people at least it wouldn't matter. She was too shy and full of anxiety to have a large group of consistent friends anyway. When she saw that Adam was tangled up in something already, and Whitney was standing with the Head Girl and another student, she was somewhat disheartened.. but wouldn't go out of her way to get their attention. She simply went off on her own, not wanting to bother anyone.

 

[Tristar]

"Oh, ye' juh-st kem' in' ear' by m'self, though 'spectin' some kohmp-"

"Olie!" A fair haired Griffyndor called out, chewing a packet of gum with an idle finger curling her hair into curls. Behind her the two other students were talking animatedly, with the faint 'woosh' behind her, it was easy enough to guess it was probably talk about Quidditch. "Oh, speak o' da devi', they're 'ear no'. . so ah. . g'day, but we-"

"We have things to discuss that are best left in private." The girl continues matter-of-factly, eyeing Iskandar with distrust but only for a moment. Her eyes swung back to Oliver, narrowing as though passing on a message. If the Liverpudlian noticed it, his face certainly didn't show it. He shrugged at the prefect, gesturing along the length of the compartment. "Well if youse wanted to se'h wha's in 'ear, got wha'chu 'ook'n fer, yeah? No' if yew s'cuse us. . ." The girl stepped back, stepping on the toes of the two boys behind her coldly, without so much as a warning. The yelps broke the argument and brought the Ravenclaw and Slytherin back into reality. She gestured for the prefect to leave, and when she did the trio entered the compartment, still eyeing the stranger. The moment they were all inside, Oliver drew out his wand and gave it a flick, causing the sliding door to slide close.

Just like that, privacy as the Ravenclaw cast a good number of security spells on the door- Lachlan McAllen had a knack for those sorts of spells, his father working within the Auror Department probably had something to do with it. Never mentioned the rank though, but it was somewhere high up there or relatively near the big players to have a constant supply of news from the Ministry every time they met. The girl, Caroline Hughes sat down across from Oliver's seat with a sigh, craning her neck to stare up at the compartment's dull ceiling. "Don't like her." was her only words for the group.

"That's what you say to every prefect you come across." drawled the only Londoner in the group. Ben had one thing Oliver wanted the most: money. Only son of the Hurst lineage, his parents never missed an opportunity to shower him with gifts every month. . . and whatever he needed to continue the business. Ben didn't care for NEWTs, not when all he could for the rest of his life was to dive in his family's gold.

Oliver sat at the corner seat, slipping his wand underneath his robes as he looked at the trio of unlikely partners in crime. An Irishman, an Englishman, a Welsh girl and a Liverpudlian walked into a compartment, and proceeded to talk in hushed tones, discussing nefarious deeds, cunning plans and what to eat for lunch.

It was arguably the most important part of their talks.

---------------A Train Ride Later---------------
​

The chimes, the bells and the whistles were the alarms that woke Oliver from his sleep amidst a room full of other sleeping individuals. Cards were sprawled everywhere, Lachland and Caroline having fought over who cheated who (both were guilty of cheating.) until fatigue set in. Ben had spent the rest of the train ride reading the papers and occasionally providing a snide remark at either one of the card players that would go unnoticed by both of them. Groaning as he stood up, stretching his body, Oliver waved his wand in a haphazard manner, cleaning the place up.

The sounds of swirling objects woke the rest up, one by one as eyelids fluttered open. "Blimey, we here already?", said a muffled voice from underneath her sweater. Oliver simply prodded his wand at the figure, chuckling. "Oi!" Her red face appeared as she threw the sweater off of her. "That hurt!" she said, grumbling noisily. "C'mon, we'll miss the ch'rriages if'n we're dis slo'. Dun' wan'ta walk on our last trek, yeah?" Her reply was too inaudible to catch, but he got the feeling that his argument won them over.

Out on the platform the four of them had to maneuver their way through the endless horde of first years, their tiny bodies blocking their path to the carriages. Oddly enough there was what looked like a seventh-year standing in the middle of them, looking fresh-faced like the children around him. Oliver took note of his appearance in case it was useful in the near future. They pushed their way through the crowd, eventually making their way out of the sea of children. The seniors (though most of them were actually juniors to the quixotic quadruple.) picked their carriages, calling out to friends to hop in as the horseless carriages started their way up the castle hill.

They found a carriage to themselves, though with four people it was a lot more spacious than Oliver remembered. Spotting a girl that had separated herself from her motley collection of friends, Oliver poked at Caroline, sparking another violent reaction. "Oi would you stop th-" "'Oose tha' bird o'er ther'. Y'know, d' nice-lookin' un'." Caroline narrowed her eyes, forever in a bad mood as she inspected the girl who sported a badger's patch. A quick glance at her face was enough to stir something from that wonderful memory of hers. "She's a House mate of yours, you idiot. Erin Meadows, sixth year. C'mon, you should know better."

"A' doon' keep track o' e'ry one in da' 'Ouse, aite? Ne'er one fer names." he replied, gazing at her. "Oi!" he yelled, waving his hand at the girl. Ben jumped in the carriage, shocked by Oliver's yell; Lachlan hadn't even bothered to see what was happening, and Caroline simply scowled. "You there! Erin, right? We go' sahm' spehss in 'ere if ya doon' mind sharin', eh? C'mon!"

 

[Jason Vaiken]

-The Great Retreat-
​

After the disastrous Battle of the Frontiers, the French Army is in full retreat to France proper as the Germans are in rapid pursuit. The losses on both sides are staggering. The French offensive has failed and the German's have proceeded to conquer most of Belgium. The Netherlands is safe due to their blood relations to the German Kaiser and cordial relations to both powers as a neutral power. The German forces have begun to penetrate into France and begin their march on Paris...

Flashes of light and the customary cracks of vicious spells fill the streets of Paris as the Anglo-Franco task force strives mightily to apprehend or force into retreat the rogue Wizards. Yet, this task force is tired, for the past few months, they have been fighting nonstop all across Belgium and France and even brief forays into Germany in order to contain the situation, but they are growing fatigued. And fatigue means mistakes, more and more of them are getting incapacitated as time goes on, but this was different, for the first time in this conflict, a British Auror was killed in action. The Avada Kedavra directly to the chest, and in a fury the Aurors of the Anglo-Franco task force fought with redoubled efforts systematically taking out their opponents one by one until they are all dead or incapacitated. The head of the operation Mr. Hurst said a few words, "I must return to Britain and report the death of Alexander Moody. I will also request that you all receive leave and get replaced, you earned it all..."

His men only nod and go to the nursing station to get patched up before they will get called into action again... they know deep in their hearts that this is only the first casualty in what will likely be a bloody conflict. A conflict that might ultimately match the levels of magical blood spilled during the Hundred Years War. Except, the Frogs and Roast-Beefs are on the same side.

The body was wrapped in a shroud emblazoned with the Red Lion that consists the Royal Arms of Scotland as the honor guard began the flight over the channel, to report to Edwyn Rémond and inform him of the death of Moody.

-Hogwarts-​

Victor Rémond is not having a good day- it's his first day at Hogwarts and he was hexed by a Slytherin. He furiously dabs at his eyes as he strives to remove any trace of tears from his features as he sees a tall boy standing with them and couldn't help but wonder at it. Yet, he is having his own dilemma... His older sister, who he vowed to speak to later about the incident, is a Slytherin, but his older brother Henri is a Gryffindor. No matter what house he gets into, one of his siblings is going to be disappointed and the last time his sister got annoyed at him, he was tickled to the point that- well, let's not dwell on that shall we? Striking up his courage he walked up to the tall boy and looking up at him. "Hello, I am Victor Rémond, and I was wondering if you are in the right place?" He glanced at him up and down. "Seventh Years are supposed to take the carriages to school." He gives him a bashful smile as he holds out his hand to shake, "May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" The last bit came out in a bit of an anxious jumble, after all, he's being a little forward and he doesn't want to piss off this older kid, the last older kid he was around decided to hex him. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

@Proleptic.

 

[Cheshire]

Brodie shuffled in agony over to an empty compartment and locked the door, quietly relaxing and trying to help himself. He quickly relaxed wit4h Pancake snoozing in his arms, obviously not caring about the beating and getting over it quicker than Brodie was. However he writhed in agony before he fell asleep as he felt his agony trying to disturb his sleeping.

When he arrived at the train station, Brodie shot awake before wincing in agony at the sudden movements, Pancake had shot awake too before jumping into Brodie's arms obediently before they made their way outside. Seeing the carriges, Brodie had a quick think of what one to get on before deciding that Oliver's carriage was probably better. "Don't mind me sorry...."

 

[Vosrik]

The train ride for Adam was, well, rather normal. Nothing particularly unexpected happened during his rounds of the cabins, aside from the awkward situation where he stumbled upon two 5th-years heartily snogging in a cabin. Slamming it shut, he shook his head and continued to the next one. Cyra he'd let out, as her complaining became much more audible the further they got from the station. As the train passed relatively close to where the Aurors had just fought off the impending threats, Adam was confused to find his Barn Owl happy to seek refuge inside the cabin once more. This was a bit unusual for Cyra, as normally she was content to meet up with the Ravenclaw after he'd arrived and unpacked at Hogwarts. Peeking out the window, he noticed the Aurors flying off in the distance, but thought nothing of it for the time being.

◇ ◇ ◇​

Having changed into his sweeping robes, like the rest of the students, Adam stepped off the train to check on the Ravenclaw students before attending to the rest of his duties. He was just about to speak to them when he was unceremoniously knocked over by Sara Dare, yet another pretty girl he'd spoken to very little despite being in his same year and House. Scrambling to his feet, he gave her a quick little smile and rubbed off his robes self-consciously.

"Oh, uh...y-yeah, I'm fine thanks." Adam's chivalrous nature won over his notorious shyness, and he reached out a hand to help Sara up. "You alright?"

Noticing offhandedly that the tumbled luggage had spilled open a bit, a few of its contents littering the ground. Reefing in his robes for his wand, Adam stammered, "Oh...I can get that," With a twirl of his wand and the quiet incantation of "Scourgify,", dirt rolled off the pieces of clothing and they folded themselves neatly back where they belonged.

Giving Sara another short smile, he pulled out Astralaria to see what time it was. It seemed they only had about an hour before the great feast was to be held in the main hall. Adam called out to the Ravenclaws, rounding everyone up and beckoning them to get settled quickly in the Great Hall.

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Iskandera was glad to finally be at hogwarts proper, the trains arrival telling her it was the start of her favorite place in the whole world. She took in a breath of the crisp air and felt the humid chill of the north against her face as she stepped off of the train. Shadow now tucked inside of her bag, asleep on her clothes as per usual, Iskandera took a look around to see if she spotted oliver, or oliver's friends, nearby. She hadn't forgotten their conversation before she had left to continue her duties, not really caring one way or another what they had to do in private. However, she could tell it had been a deal of some sort, and that peaked her interest.

Ravenclaw students weren't all about books and studying. There was an unspoken but well known code among them, that getting success in the schools system was a goal worth moving heaven and earth for. It was a goal that brought them surprisingly close to their kindred House Hufflepuff, who believed in moving heaven and earth for the sake of their friends and comrades. Let Griffyndor and Slytherin have their spat and feud with one another till they were blue in the face, a hufflepuff would be there to lend a helping hand, and a ravenclaw as well, to take care of any business the others failed to account for. Her fellow Hogwarts students in the cart had likely been forging some form of alliance, perhaps they and a few others had some plan to help each other rise ot the top. Perhaps it was a more one sided relationship, and there was a central individual profiting off of others.

Regardless, she knew something was going on, and she was mildly curious to see what it was. However, as the group arrived at the carriages, she kept her eyes peeled for someone else. Hogwarts hadn't been all study and spell-craft for her, there had been the rare friend as well. One or two every few years whom she felt close enough to share personal thoughts or musings with. Most were acquaintances, some she considered actual friends, and a handful she considered closets of all. She looked for that certain slytherin now, half with news to report with her, half to simply say hello to her once more.

 

[Prudence]

The sound that left the small pretty mouth of the young red-headed girl could be equated to that of a chainsaw, or a lawn mower. Her mouth, idly hanging slightly open, was emitting snores befitting an overweight man of his 40s, and balding hair - not an attractive young 17 year old girl. The shudder of the train stopping as well as compartment doors opening jarred her from her slumber. The girl stood to her feet, lazily wiping her hand across her eyes to wipe the sleep out of them, and then stood, popping her back a bit. 7th years may arrive to hogwarts in a carriage, but Rachel was none the wiser, nor would she really care - she had gotten on the train and that's where she was.

She pulled her wand out of her pocket and muttered a few words, lazily waving it at her luggage and then stepping out of the cabin to look around. Her red hair was a mess, though she gave it little attention as she was only barely awake. She filed out of the train with the other students, glancing around the sights that greeted her upon exiting,

"It smells like old people and egos around here..."

Her statement trailed off as she saw Felix, leaving the train as well, and felt a cold gnawing sensation in her gut. So much for getting away from it all.

 

[Shalken]

Judging by Catherine's lack of response to her question, Whitney realized that this situation was going to become very dangerous very fast if nobody did something to stop it. Grabbing her friend by the arm and tugging with all her might, Whit made for a nearby empty carriage, warning in a low voice, "C'mon, Cat! Not now, in front of the whole school! I'm sure you'll see him later." Ignoring any of her friend's protests, the Gryffindor girl handed her and Cat's luggage over to the carriage driver before pulling her friend into the cushioned seats inside.

Cat's hair changed from its bright orange to a cold ice-blue - meaning she's on the next phase of her anger, the plotting phase. Whit could practically see the Slytherin's mind working on exacting revenge and quickly grabs hold of Cat's hand to prevent her from drawing her wand. "Whit...you know me too well." Her tone was cold and distant, the opposite of how it usually is between two friends. However, Catherine's hand had relaxed, longer instinctively reaching her wand. She was still plotting - that much was obvious - but she was distracted and not about to fire off spells.

Ziggy chittered lightly in the short silence that followed. Whit's mind raced for something to say, something to keep her friend from exacting revenge the next time her ex-boyfriend strutted across her line of sight. She finally spoke up in her thick scouse, "I know you're planning all sorts of horrible things to do to him - all of which he deserves, the right filthy bloke. But...just at least wait until after your pa's gone, okay?" She looked at her friend in the eyes, smiling lightly and lowering her voice slightly. "Besides, something sneaky would be much more satisfying...right?"

"There is a...slight problem with that...I actually have never heard him out. I think that perhaps, I do owe him a few moments to explain before I really start planning my vengeance." Her features were slightly furrowed as she thought this over. "He has tried many times to explain and I never let him...I also got in a lot of trouble because of my...temper. Do you think it's right that I, er, do give him a chance?"

Whitney looked down, her lips pursed as she let go of Cat's hand and folded hers together in her lap. She did have a point. "...I mean, maybe he does have a reason. I know I'd want a chance to explain myself. I suppose you're right."

Catherine nervously trailed her hair around a bit as her lip curls at the end of the tangent. It seems that she still does nurse some feelings about him. But, the moment is gone and her hair turns an emerald green and her eyes a gleaming silver. "So, how was the rest of your holiday? I truly hope it was pleasant! Is your father alright? Your mother? Tell me everything, I do not want our first day back spoiled due to some boy trouble."

Whitney shrugged. "Oh, horribly dull, really. Endless hours of housekeeping and babysitting...ugh, being a nanny is such a bore. About my dad, well..." The Gryffindor looked out the window of the carriage, though she seemed to be looking off in the distance, far past the beautiful landscape. She sighed wistfully. "...he's gone off to the war. My mum seems fine, but I can tell she's not taking it too well. I've asked her to send me a copy of the Muggle papers every morning." Whit shook her head to remove the negative thoughts from her mind. "Gee, I'm starving! I haven't had a bite since breakfast."

 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Iskandera had liked hearing Catherine's voice again, after the long summer apart. She was the head girl, which meant she was a part of the order that the student body was expected to maintain. She was also a person she knew, and had personally worked with and spent time with outside of a purely academic sense. She was, in short, the closet thing to a best friend Iskandera could ask for in a place like this. She herself didn't feel like interrupting anything, but she did head over towards the carriage catherine and a few of the others were boarding.

And in an unusual move for herself, let herself in and took a seat, "Room for one more?" She asked, already sitting down in the carriage as she looked towards Catherine, giving a smile and a small wave before quickly looking away and brushing a lock of dark hair out of her eye, careful to keep herself from blushing as she did so. It felt a bit embarrassing to stand up in front of everyone, but she had an ability to focus on tasks at hand, and quickly wrangled herself back under control.

 

[Phantom]

Sara's blush deepened in color as she accepted Adam's hand, "Yes, I'm fine, thank you." Sara stood up and dusted off her robes, making sure there wasn't a tear, and also checking to make sure that her wand and flute were alright. "Thank you, again," Sara said as her clothes were cleaned and packed away by Adam's spell. She then took out her own wand and cast the levitation spell, bidding Adam farewell, and walking over to a carriage. She stopped halfway when she saw Rachel Stoles, they had been classmates back in America, she had no clue that the redhead would even be here, so naturally, she waked over and greeted her friend. "Rachel! Hey, How have you been?"

@Prudence

 

[Jason Vaiken]

Belgium: September 1, 1914

The shelling had stopped which meant only one thing. The Major's brain could only think of one cause.

"Men, prepare to receive Huns!"

With that command the 92nd Gordon Highlanders sprang into action, grabbing their rifles and ammo and joining their comrades who were on watch, as they prepared to counter a German Infantry assault. Their artillery which remained silent began to fire on the Germans as they charged into the waiting arms of the British Army. This army consists of every nationality on the British Isles, English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh. All fighting for King and Country, for the pride of the Empire, for the dear old flag, and above all - to survive. They have been fighting for a month now and still, the terrible force that is artillery shocked them. Men were blown to pieces or left clutching shattered bodies as they screamed in utter agony. Most were left were they fell, nobody wanted to stop moving whilst they were under artillery fire. Soon, the mass-wave of the German attack grew closer.

"Let 'em have it lads!"

The sergeants translated this order to.

"Machine Guns, kill 'em all!"

Now the next weapon in their arsenal came into the fore, the Battalions machine guns unloaded and scythed down men without mercy. They fell like marionettes with their strings cut. Some screaming -others quietly. But even that wasn't enough and he had to give the next command.

"Riflemen! Wait until they are 200 paces and then let them have it!"

This was perfected against the Zulu and other savage tribes in Africa. Accurate and concentrated fire at close range to break up an attack. And break it up it did. With the sharp crack of rifle firing permeating the air as the order is relayed down the line the Germans collapsed, but now they were close enough to offer their own response.

"GRENADE! GET DOWN!"

Men dove away as they tried to get out of the way, some were lucky some were not and they were checked and if they were still alive they were carried away. It seems the Germans want to taste some steel.

"BATTALION! FIX BAYONETS!"

The rifle fire steadily stopped as men fixed their bayonets and prepared to receive infantry.

Germans plunged into the trench and the officer drew his pistol and claymore and said the time honoured Scottish battle-cry.

"ALBA GU BRÀTH!"

The men took up the call and added some of their own.

"COME AND GET SOME YE WEE LITTLE MEN!"

This was but one small action on a massive front, as thousands upon thousands of men struggled and died for their beloved homeland.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Hogwarts: September 1, 1914
​

Catherine couldn't help but feel worried about Whitney's father. Having met the man, she knows that he is a good man and the worry that her lovely mother and her dearest friend are going through made her feel awful that she was bringing up her own problems whilst Whitney was dealing with that awful burden. "I can somewhat relate Whit, when my father was active as an Auror - when he went off to catch a Dark Wizard or off on a mission, I prayed that he would return to us alive." She takes Whit's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "I as well as others are here for you." She let go of her friend's hand as someone stepped into their carriage. Iskandera- another one of their close friends and as always, her heart started doing the same somersaults it did when she saw Frederick.

"Room for one more?" Catherine made a show of glancing around, "I'm sure we can make room for one of our dearest friends don't you agree Whitney?" She offers her a small smile and hopes that she'll be graced with another one of her smiles. She found that she gets a little silly when Iskandera smiles. "We were just talking about our summers, how was yours Iskandera? Mine was the usual, I competed in a few tournaments and practiced a few of the spells in the books and created a few of the potions- just wanted to get a little ahead and all that." She didn't want to go on about Whitney's father unless she broached the topic, it is not her place to interfere with something private like that and bandy it around the school.

//They did not have steel helmets until 1916, but, I thought this was the best image I could get of the Gordon Highlanders.

 

[Prudence]

Sara's blush deepened in color as she accepted Adam's hand, "Yes, I'm fine, thank you." Sara stood up and dusted off her robes, making sure there wasn't a tear, and also checking to make sure that her wand and flute were alright. "Thank you, again," Sara said as her clothes were cleaned and packed away by Adam's spell. She then took out her own wand and cast the levitation spell, bidding Adam farewell, and walking over to a carriage. She stopped halfway when she saw Rachel Stoles, they had been classmates back in America, she had no clue that the redhead would even be here, so naturally, she waked over and greeted her friend. "Rachel! Hey, How have you been?"

@Prudence

How. Unfortunate.

This was supposed to be a getaway for Rachel, a clean start, a new-beginning of sorts. She'd been rather disliked by most students at her Ivermorny, but she'd been well known. She'd been the 'popular-bitch' so to speak. To see Felix wasn't so bad for her. They had been friends at a time and she felt she could trust him. Sara, however, she had never really known. As the girl made her way over to Rachel, far too excited for this time of morning, rachel rolled her eyes,

"Sara, how surprising. I hadn't known you were going to be here. I'm.. good.. how about you?"

The words were strained, a forced attempt to be nice so that she might make a fresh impression on those gathered, but as she spoke she walked past Rachel, hopefully silencing the girl.