Forum Thread

No matter how many times he saw it, Hogwarts castle was still a sight to behold. The grand towers were beautiful and the night sky never failed to take his breath away. As Head Boy, he had a duty to put the students first so he overlooked the procession of people into carriages. Staying near the front, he smiled and gestured for students to get on. He mostly stayed silent in contrast to Suvi, speaking to one or two people in low voices to assure them. Most of them were students who were seeing Thestrials for the first time but others were just plain nervous. He himself couldn't see the Thestrials, not for a lack of not witnessing death, but a part of him never really came to terms with the reality of it. Death would come for everyone eventually, inevitable and certain, but knowing and accepting it were two different things. Nonetheless, he could still help by leading people into empty carriages with a kind smile

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While Alison prefered watching people more than buildings, the castle filled her with awe, her face close to the window as she watched it. When the train pulled to a stop, she was all ready to go, robes on, though she had to admit that she liked Muggle clothing more. Moving out of the train, she easily spotted Hagrid, gathering all of the other first years. She followed the small crowd down to the boats, boarding one of the boats with an exceptionally nervous first-year. Alison didn't bother to ask his name, or even watch him. She simply sat in silence, choosing instead to look as far as she could across the Great Lake, seeing Hogwarts in the distance. Her first year at Hogwarts. If she weren't so curious and excited, she might be absolutley terrified.

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Suvansh, though he wished otherwise, could see thestrals very well. He had seen enough deaths over his fifth and sixth years at Hogwarts to realise and accept the bitter sweet meaning of death. He saw friends die, directly and indirectly. By the hands of death eaters, by the hands of friends. He never wanted to have such a vile experience ever again. Once everyone was boarded and gone, he took the last carriage, and offered to sit by Jules.

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Anthony watched apprehensively as students left the train, clambering onto the carriages. Finally he stepped off the train once the crowds had dispersed a little, making his way towards a carriage. He stared at the empty space where normally horses would have been. It had always unnerved him. He had heard rumors about what was actually pulling the carts, they all mostly varied but one thing each tale had in common was death. Anthony looked away from the empty space, his heart feeling like a hand was grabbing onto it firmly. He was fairly sure he was shaking. At least Anthony could dispel most of those rumors. After all, he'd witnessed death, he'd seen dead people, and he'd... killed someone. He grabbed at his head, trying to shake away the thoughts.

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Brooke excitedly exited the Hogwarts Express, jogging towards a carriage and clambering on. Looking up she noticed a lone girl reading a book. Smiling she sat next to the girl, looking at the book she was reading. What should she say? Finally she mustered up enough courage to speak. "Hey, mind if I sit here?" She asked pointing to the seat next to the girl. She seemed fairly younger than her, though Brooke didn't mind. "What are you reading? I don't think I've seen that book before."

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Aria simply nodded, showing the cover of fantastic beasts and where to find them. The book had always fascinated her with the incredible art and all the information that must have taken ages for the author, Newt Scammander to do. She appreciated his work very much, having read the book for who knows how many times now.

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Accepting, Jules got into the last carriage. "Last ride to Hogwarts." He mentioned ruefully, with a sigh, shedding off his layers. He honestly had no problem with people looking at him, his body was nothing special. Maybe on the scrawny side, and with maybe too many suspicious scars for him to just pass off as him being clumsy, but overall it was pretty average. The only thing he actively tried to hide was the mess of ugly looking scars on his chest but even that was a half hearted attempt. Changing into his Hogwarts robes, he packed away his regular clothing and sprawled over the seat with a tired little noise. "We're going to have to make speeches about our houses. You have anything planned for yours?" He asked, visibly exhausted. Man, interacting with so many people at once was exhausting

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Brooke's eyes widened as she recognized the book. "Oh, it's that one!" She knew that technically she was supposed to read the book and... she had enjoyed it but... really she ended up just reading the required pages. She gave an awkward chuckle at the thought, sitting down next to the girl. "My name is Brooke, how about you?"

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Suvansh overlooked the scars. He was too busy staring at all the beauties of nature, out in the distance, something he won't be able to do ever again, (from a thestral carriage) at least not as a student. "Hmm yes I have a few points in mind, but the key is to just wing it." He gives a slight chuckle, remebering his prefect speech. Even though it was two years ago, he still laughed at his antics.

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"My name?" The girl had asked, looking up from the book. "It's Aria. Nice to meet you." She was glad to finally have someone to talk to after all these times of not being able to find someone to talk to. Maybe she'll find one of her old friends at the great hall...

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Scarlett walked over to the last empty carriage, Dusk and Astra having flown/slithers ahead with her broom to save her a carriage. She lifted her trunk up, before boarding herself. Plenty of room, if no one else boards. She noted to herself, before opening up the Spellman’s Syllabary, and began reading. She was excited to meet her friends, of whom she had few, but were loyal to her. She could see the thestrals, of course she could. How many times had she seen Aunt Bella and Aunt Narcissisa kill and torture people? She patted her thestral, before settling down

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"Speaking from experience I suppose? At least this is your chance to redeem yourself." He snickered, securely tucking everything away. Falling silent, he simply watched as the castle crawled closer and closer, the thestrial drawn carriage ride nearing its end. Absentmindedly rubbing his oldest scar, cut along the inside of his left wrist, he felt the familiar loneliness crawl up again. This would be the last time he would ride into Hogwarts grounds like this, the sobering reality of that a persistent ache. A reality that was much easier to accept than the inevitability of death. Inevitably when he was left alone to his thoughts, it floated towards his family, the pressures placed upon him.

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The brunette had finished greeting the skeletal equine and hurried back to the carriage, thankfully, at least in her mind, avoiding being seen by any of the four students who had arrived a few minutes later. She refused to let them know what she'd been through, that behind her sun was that shadow. Now they bounced along, quickly approaching the castle. Despite her deep love for Hogwarts, for being amongst other wizards, she couldn't help but constantly feel a pressing anxiety, day in and day out, whenever her mind wasn't preoccupied and slipped into thinking of homework. Fifth year certainly wasn't going to be any easier, either. She honestly might just take Jules up on his offer of assistance, if it came to that, provided he didn't appear too busy himself.

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"Heh yeah" Suvansh let's out a chuckle, again reminiscing his previous speech. The laughter wasn't because he messed up, but just because he did such a great job at roasting teachers- he pushed the memory aside and started imagining him giving his speech, as a head boy. All the Gryffindors looking upto him. Just as he did, the carriage rolled to a stop, and now did he notice a few of Jules scars. He had noticed them over the years, but never asked about them. Better bury the scars than to relive them was what he believed in, and he was sure, asking about a scar would make him relive it- happy or not. He saw Jules staring in the distance, despite the carriage stopping, so he slightly nudged him, and got off with his belongings.

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He wondered when mother would send her Howler this year. It wasn't a matter of if she would, more of when. It was tradition at this point for Jules to recive that dreaded red letter, promising an earful of scolding for whatever slight he had done to tarnish his family name. Probably soon, he supposed, what with siccing Pygmy Puffs on the whole family before leaving. The thought of that made him smile slightly again before he was jolted from his musings by Suvansh. Giving a weak smile he got out of the carriage as well and grabbed his things, ready to get tbavk to work.

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Suvansh gaped into the beauty of the castle, the fields, and the great lake once more before entering the castle, after soo many months. Instinctively, he went on to sit at the gryffindors table. He gave a quick look across the badge of the first years, who ever just here from their boat ride. He smiled at Alison, the young girl who he had helped on the platform to get into the train. The hall was a bliss of noises as friends reunite. He looked about and saw Aurora and Heidi were sitting on the opposite row just across him. He was surprised he didn't notice them there earlier, but he still greeted them with a wave and a smile. He shot a look towards the teachers table, no new teachers in sight. Though not very unusual, it was a bit shocking for Hogwarts. He examined the plattering of silver and gold in front of him, which would soon be full of delicacies, from the kitchens, once Professor McGonagall ceremoniously gave her speech and announced the beginning of the feast, after the sorting of the first years, though he couldn't find the sorting hat in view yet when he looked about.

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As he swept into the hall, Jules made a beeline for Professor Flitwick talking with him with a wide smile and hurried tones. If one listened closely, he was setting up an appointment with the charms professor, eagerly talking about his impressions of the supplemental material. The two had smiles on their faces, Jules looking more alive than he had before. After setting up an appointment after his first Charms class, he also greeted Professor Sprout and Professor Longbottom paying his respects to the head of his house as well as her teaching partner. With the greetings out of the way, he walked towards the Hufflepuff table, making sure to smile warmly at the gathered first years. He hoped that everything would run smoothly for them.

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It had been a long, long day. After the previous day's antics (which had been highlighted by the fact that Fortescue had donuts for them), followed by the bustle of packing, walking, taking the Underground, and then arriving at Platform 9 3/4, Amane was absolutely exhausted. Tsukasa, of course, was as energetic as ever. "C'mon, come onnn, we have to get a compartment before everyone takes them!" Amane just sighed, knowing the sooner they found a seat, the sooner he could take a nap. Settling into a section near the back of the train, Tsukasa shut the door and flopped down on the seat opposite his brother. The ride itself was mostly uneventful for the two, save for an episode where a cat was flying around the cabins, causing chaos (Tsukasa was laughing his head off and even Amane found it pretty funny). Changing into their sort-of green, sort-of-blue robes, the two found themselves a carriage. While in past years they'd visit with friends on the train, the brothers always made sure to ride the carriages alone, ever since second year when they'd discovered what pulled the carriages. Solemn for once, Tsukasa gave the thestrals a stroke, and Amane placed a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder. It was exciting, all those years ago - invisible horses, only seen by some?! - only to understand soon after that the horses could only be seen by those who had experienced, understood, and accepted death.

The rides on the carriages were silent after that, the brothers sitting close, arms linked and faces serious. Even so, nothing could tamper the overwhelmingly beautiful sight of Hogwarts - the only real home the boys ever knew. It was magnificent. Gigantic stone turrets towered over the Forbidden Forest, the glow of arched windows casting a soft yellow light across the lake, where hundreds of boats magically drifted towards the castle gates. Amane and Tsukasa dismounted their carriage, giving the thestrals a last pat before racing excitedly into the hall, where hundreds of students were already milling, greeting old friends and choosing their seats for the Sorting. It was both the best time of year, arriving at the start of another incredible time at the best school of magic in the world, but also the worst. Tsukasa pulled Amane into one of his squeeze-the-life-out-of-you hugs, burying his face in his brother's shoulder.

"Tsukasa," Amane said, feigning exasperation. Really though, he was just as sad to have to separate from his best friend and only brother. Though they often saw each other during their daily schedules and planned to eat together as much as they could, they were supposed to sit with their own houses during the Sorting Ceremony. "Remember, I'm totally going to have the most first-years, this time." Tsukasa let out a noise that was half-laugh, half-cry. "Noooo," came the muffled reply, "Slytherin's going to win." Laughing sofly, Amane gently hugged his brother back. "Come on, Tsukasa. It's just until tomorrow. I know it's hard but we don't have a choice." Quietly peeling Tsukasa off of him, he ruffled his hair. "See you later, okay?" Nodding sadly, Tsukasa turned and headed for the Slytherin table. Amane sighed. Why did the stupid hat have to put them in different houses? Deep down, he knew that they were best suited for Ravenclaw and Slytherin, respectively, but it still was hard not being able to stay with Tsukasa all the time like usual. As much as he looked out for and supported Tsukasa, his brother did the same for Amane. Shaking his head, Amane began to pick his way over to the Ravenclaw table. It wasn't like they had no other friends; it just wasn't the same.

Tsukasa plopped down near the front of the long Slytherin table, where he could get a good look at any new first years. It was awful, awful, awful not being with Amane, but it couldn't be helped. He glanced around. A couple of Head Boys were trying to control the chaos (a shame, really, Tsukasa loved chaos) and people were beginning to settle down. He wondered briefly what the Hat's speech would be about, this year. And what would his classes be like? Although he hated routine, magic itself was interesting enough that Tsukasa eagerly attended classes most of the time. And would there be anyone else interesting? He sure hoped so, or else he might get bored pretty quickly.

Amane sat himself close to the far end of the hall. From here, he was able to see the Sorting very well, and, as he liked doing, help welcome any new Ravenclaw first-years. It helped him take his mind off of things, and besides, it was a good way to meet new people (something he was trying to do more often). He looked around the room a little, catching glimpses of familiar faces. He didn't have that many friends that he was close to, but he did make a point to be friendly with those in his classes and his dorm. Waving at a couple of people, Amane wondered if he'd make any new friends this year; after all, he was taking new classes and starting his fourth year at Hogwarts! And preparing for the O.W.L.s next year, he remembered with a shudder.

After arriving at the Great Hall, Alison was tired and cold. But, the excitement at what was happening made her less concerned about the temprature of the Lake, and more hyper-focused on the amount of people. She kept looking around, not really finding one particular person in general that she wanted to watch. Her eyes drifted to the Slytherin Table, seeing Tsuaka. Now there was someone interesting. As the First Years were jostled into line, she watched him carefully, as she always did when she found someone interesting. To her, it was perfectly normal, but a tad creepy to others. It was a hard habit to break, Alison had always been and would always be a people-watcher.

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Tsukasa was trying VERY HARD to do what he was supposed to be doing. Instead of jumping up and asking the first-year girl who was staring at him a hundred million questions. She was the same girl that he'd noticed in Madame Malkins, the girl that Amane didn't recognize. His brother had been right, he realized with a proud glow. Amane was so good at understanding people without even knowing them. Tsukasa, on the other hand, liked to observe and experiment to see what a person was like; that's how he got to know them. It wouldn't be awful to just ask one or two questions before the Sorting, right? He tried to imagine Amane's voice. Fine, fine, just sit back down when it starts, his brother said in his head, and Tsukasa bounced right on up.

He tapped the girl on the shoulder as he approached. "Hello," he said, eyes wide with curiosity and a broad smile on his face. "You were staring at me. How come?" Tsukasa tilted his head to the side, showing absolutely no signs of being weirded out or otherwise annoyed by the strange girl's behavior.

Alison shrugged. "I like watching people, and I thought you were interesting. When I find someone who's interesting, I watch them." To her, it was as simple as that. If she saw someone she wanted to watch, she did. Maybe other's didn't see it like that, but she did. She was glad that he didn't seem to mind it. Lots of times people told her mother that she had a problem. It wasn't like her mother cared, but it did hurt a little.

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