Fandom Of Spells And Curses

[Malhyanth]

This roleplay is for Malhyanth and InkedFox
Please do not enter this RP unless expressly invited.​

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This roleplay is a fantasy roleplay based around the Harry Potter universe. Within it there are a multitude of races, magics, and roles to be fulfilled.​

Religions, cults, tribes, civilisations are all broad and varied, much like the types of people that live in this world.​

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This was such a weird place... a weird situation for him to be in. Had he been told that this strange world existed below the surface of everything he'd known before, he might have actually laughed. That is, until he was thrown feet first into this weird and wonderful mix of people, situations, and tales. The kid was tall for his age, and shrouded in a black hoodie, with black baggy jeans, hood pulled up to hide his face, hands rammed deep into the front pocket. He was stood outside a wand shop.

That's right.

A wand shop.

He was stood, struggling to comprehend fully what he'd entered. Pale hands drew from the pocket a parchment with fancy green ink scrawled across its surface. It listed the things he would need. The books, the school uniform, the parchments and quills, the cauldron and potion kit, the wand, the pet he could take. All of it foreign to him, completely alien, and strangely familiar. He'd always wondered, when strange things happened as a young child in the care system, what caused such weird things to happen; light bulbs shattering when he screamed after a beating at one home, disappearing into invisibility when at another home he was being screamed at and the door hammered down, to an apparently empty room. The night that thing had attacked him...

He didn't want to think about that, so he put it out of his mind. The young pre-teen turned the parchment over and about. His new foster parents had not been surprised when this letter had been delivered by an owl. A really big one at that. They'd acted like it was entirely normal. It was only then they had revealed that the new headmaster of Hogwarts had been paying particular attention to him, Wyatt Boltset, and what had been occurring with him. That his true parents had been strong magic folk, and that they, the Muldoons, had been asked to foster the child, until such a time as he could be identified as truly magical and taken in to the Hogwarts family. Of course, that had been just before his... incident. Now, he was still invited to join the school, but he had strict rules to abide by. And if he failed to follow them, he would not be given leniency.

Mottled eyes of icy white-blue and dusky, dark pink flittered over the parchment in his hand. His foster parents had offered to come to Diagon Alley with him, but Wyatt was a stubborn child. He'd been left to his own devises much of the time, and struggled to accept these new parents were as honest and well-meaning as they appeared. He had decided to do the collection of his school things alone. After all, he wasn't going to have them at the school, so why did he need to start with them following him about. He didn't like how much they included him in their activities anyway; he liked time alone, to think. He looked up once again at the new looking store; word had it that this was once called Olivanders, and had been the greatest of all the wand makers shops in the United Kingdom, possibly even the world. But now, it was not possible for Ollivanders to return, and instead, Virkesh Wands stood in the Alley. Wyatt still had to collect other items, so he decided to leave the wand for last, as it was the most insane of the items on his list.

Turning away, the boy looked up and down the crazy street, with all its odd angles and insane shop fronts. At the far end, the giant marionette that was the front of Weasleys continued to lift its top hat and reveal all manner of things beneath. Wyatt had to admit the white rabbit was the most amusing; it was like a doffing of the cap to all the kids raised... what was that word? Muggle? He wasn't sure he liked the term, but that was what he was described as, even if he had been born to a prominent Pure Blood family. He certainly wouldn't be growing up to pass on the family name!! Not with his... condition. Looking at his list, Wyatt decided books were the first port of call. The weird coins he'd been given by his new parents were an allowance that had been building for him at the bank. They'd withdrawn enough to get him his school kit, and advised if he ever need more, he just had to ask. He hadn't really thought of himself as being rich, so he was pleased they were going to keep it away from him for now; the idea of that much money scared him. He didn't know if the amount actually was high; it sounded high to him!! But he didn't understand his money yet.

He walked across to the bookshop full of children and their parents. Children all ages were inside, picking out their new books. Wyatt quietly gathered the booked he required, as well as a few extra ones on Magical Beasts, and a story book about a young Wizard of some description or another, and got in line. He kept his head down, looking at his hands that seemed to glow in the light of this shop. If there was one thing he hated about himself, it was how much he stood out. If he were to lower his hood, thick white as snow dreadlocks would be visible, alongside his scarred face, in the palest of skin. His eyes would look red upon first glance, but another look would show a myriad cold colours, white-blue and dusky pink, mottled together where his body lacked all pigment. The scars from the different homes he'd been in before his current one told a story of severe abuse; abuse the care system hadn't even tried to hide. The worst was a scar down the whole of the left side of his face, where a belt buckle had glanced down his head. It sliced through his straight brow, into his cheek, and snarled up his top lip into a perpetual smirk. He didn't really like his appearance at all. He was often reminded that he could have been a very handsome, tall boy, especially considering he wasn't slim with his height; he had a decent amount of muscle, even at nearly 12 years old.

The queue inched forwards towards the woman in extravagant peacock blue robes with a matching witches hat, wide brimmed and decorated with peacock feathers and live flowers. Wyatt could almost swear he'd seen something moving in it, like a bee, or maybe a hummingbird? Whatever it was, she spoke to all the older students for a while as she served them, and got to know each new first year. Wyatt was dreading reaching the end of the queue, and he felt himself starting to sweat.

 

[InkedFox]

AN INTRODUCTION TO ALL THINGS MAGICAL

"Hurry, love! We'll get lost in the rush--" an older woman with brightly colored blue hair, dressed in a gown that echoed something from the 1950s called back as she stepped down the stairs from Gringotts Bank. Her niece, a rather small girl, with a slender frame, and wild curly midnight-colored hair, stood gapping at the top of the stairs; still struggling with the very idea of a place like Diagon Alley. It had only been months ago that she had dreamed of a place like this. Her mother and father were dreamers just like her, and they had always told the young girl she could be anything she wanted to be if she was brave enough to pursue it, and here she was-- Becoming a witch --Standing in a place that by all logic should not exist, waiting to get magical supplies, for a school based in witchcraft and wizardry. When they first arrived, her aunt had to remind her several times that she was not dreaming, as the girl sat with mouth agape when the bricks in a solid wall spun loose, and resettled until a new entrance was formed. The sign that greeted them on the other side had read 'Diagon Alley'.

Even after that, her Aunt had to tug the glass-eyed girl through crowds of cloaks and pointed hats as they made their way to Gringotts to retrieve money from her aunt's account.

"I remember being just your age when I first got my letter. I came with your grandmother to Diagon to get my supplies--" Her Aunt Philomena had always been a unique, and eccentric person through out her life and as surprising as it was to discover a world of magic and wizardry; it was no surprise to her family that she was a witch. Out of seven brothers and sisters she had been the only known witch in her family, and now-- here was Raven. The doll-faced, doe-eyed daughter of her muggle sister.

Raven Hathoway had always been a bright girl in her aunt's eyes and she was overjoyed to know there was another witch in the family. In fact when Raven got her letter, her aunt was the first to know and popped up on their doorstep, explaining how she'd take care of everything for the girl. Raven's parents, both 'muggles', were ecstatic for their daughter, though, they were also worried about the wizarding world and what awaited their precious child. Knowing that her aunt would be there to counsel and guide her, helped them relax enough to allow Raven to go.

Raven had always been a quiet one. Even in her youth she had always been shy and always obedient. She was earnest and a quick learner, and an absolute boon to her parents. They had no reason to deny her her dream. Though, even now, she struggled with her social anxiety, but it was dampened by her wonder and bewilderment of Diagon Alley itself. Her aunt even had to stomp back up the stairs just to retrieve the girl, who stayed glancing back over her shoulder at the bank in which Goblins were the tellers.

"Those were--!" Raven began, as she was led away by her slender wrist, but was cut short by her Aunt who could already predict her next series of questions.

"Yes, they were goblins--- no, they won't eat you... --as long as you pay your dues, and don't try to steal from them..." The woman added jokingly, only to see the look of shock pool in her niece's round and soulful chestnut-colored eyes. She was so cute, and new to everything! Her Aunt couldn't help but prod at the girl's gulliableness. Raven's lovely mocha-colored skin went a shade lighter considering the thought, and her aunt chuckled and admitted she was joking, which put the blush back into many of the freckles peppered across the bridge of Raven's small nose.

"--But they have little patience and quite the condescending attitude..." Aunt Philomena explained as they passed a series of shops, all displaying goods Raven had never seen before or had only heard of in fairy tales. Philomena nearly had to drag her away from the broom stick shop; grunting curtly, "Uh-uh! Not until you're ready, young lady!"

"Now let's see what is on your list!" Her aunt stood behind Raven and placed her hands on Raven's narrow shoulders, staring down and reading over the parchment with the glistening green ink. "Ah-- cauldron --phials --brass scale --robes --oh! books! Let's get your books. Flourish and Blotts is probably mobbed right now and it'll only get worse if we wait--" Philomena explained and tugged the girl along; making sure Raven kept pace and didn't get drawn in by anything else that piqued her interest.

By the time they reached Flourish and Blotts, the store had a line forming out of the front, with parents of young wizards and witches all surging to find the right books for their children. It was like a real back to school sale, and for a moment Raven felt like she was back in the muggle world, shopping for pens and note books with her parents.

"Alright then-- I'll meet you at the counter, I know where to find the first few. Try looking for these in this section over here--" Philomena handed her niece the letter and pointed out a few of the titles before pointing over to a less crowded section in the store. When set to task, Raven was known to focus completely, and ignoring the crowds gathering in store, she wove around them and started picking out titles as she saw them on the shelves. "Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Tigger-- oh! A history of magic by Bathilda Bagshot... hmmm." She scanned until she found the remaining two books and headed back to the front to find her aunt.

Unlucky for her, in the ruckus of people rushing to buy their books, someone bumped her and nearly knocked her over. She fell into a hooded young man who was waiting in line with arms stuffed with books. To her dismay, being jostled had shaken her thick-framed glasses from her face, and her vision went promptly fuzzy. She couldn't see a thing two feet in front of her face save for some blurry blobs of color. "I'm so sorry!" She said to the person she had been thrown into, though she couldn't make out their face and then she promptly began to worry. "Oh no! My glasses! I can't see!" Raven, slightly panicked, dipped down to scan the floor with her hands outstretched; searching for her spectacles. Unfortunately with the hustle and bustle going on in the shop, no one seemed to notice her.

 

[Malhyanth]

The line was moving so slowly, Wyatt was on the verge of giving up, and opting to come back later. He knew, however, that all he would receive if he went home without them would be a disappointed expression; the school year was fast approaching, and he needed to get everything within the next week or two to ensure he had everything ready for that day he got on the steam engine his new father went on about so often. He felt conspicuous though. Tall enough to be mistaken for a third year, at least, and with his pale, scarred hands gripping tightly to the mountain of books, for a first year, he felt very out of place.

Luckily, the hood pulled up around his head shadowed his face so he couldn't be seen staring at the buttons of the kid in front's bag, not really paying attention, his albino eyes flickering as this always did when he was looking at something. It was part of his condition, apparently, but it didn't affect him really; he'd never known anything different. As the line moved forward, he went to step, but found the world turning a little side ways, and he found himself devoid of books as they sprawled away from him, and the wind was knocked out of him. He gasped, trying to get air back into his lungs as a woman tried to fight the crowds over to them, fussing at the dark haired girl whom had maintained her feet, but had lost her glasses.

Above him, a tower of thick Gilderoy Lockhart tomes wavered and threatened to topple. Wyatt growled to himself, still struggling to capture his breath where she'd knocked him over. He sat up, hood falling back off his white dreadlocks and scarred face, hands on his ankles as he leaned forwards between his knees and breathed deep. Behind him, the family whom's bag he'd been staring at had gathered his books together for him, and were holding them ready to give to him as he stood. He realised the girl's glasses had landed beside him, so he grabbed them up before they were stepped on, and pulled on her upper arm, dragging her to her feet as well. He placed them in her hand with a grunt.

"Here. Watch where you're going next time." His voice wasn't deep, but it had the hint of a voice that maybe would be as he aged. It held a nasty tone, and his mottled eyes stared at her hard as he turned away, and accepted the books with a curt nod, and a short 'thanks'. People, he felt, were staring now, at this pure white kit, with scars marring his face. The family in front, the child hid behind her mother, the father patting Wyatt on the shoulder in a manly sort of way to say 'you're alright' before turning away from the child, alone in the book store. Wyatt ignored them all. He felt a lump in his throat, and couldn't decide if it was a want to cry, and hide in a corner, or to scream and lash out. He kept it pinned down, and refused to acknowedge anyone around him. He stepped forward as the queue stepped forward, and placed his books upon the counter as his turn arrived. As soon as his arms were unburdened, his hands shot up to the hood, and secured it over his white dreadlocks, and shadowed his face once more.

"Don't worry darling, no harm done!" She grinned at him. Wyatt simply nodded, and didn't look up. The Witch clearly realised he wasn't going to interact, so she counted up his school books, plus the two extra reading books he'd picked up, and requested the money. He handed this to her quietly, accepted his change, and nodded when she asked if he'd like a bag for his purchases. Taking the offered bag, he scurried out, feeling hot faces and stifled. Once outside, he raced around the corner and pressed up against the wall to Flourish & Blotts. He slid down the brickwork, and sat on the cold ground, recovering his cold demeanour. Why had she done that? She was only tiny and she'd knocked him just as he was stepping, and made him look a fool!! He wanted the world to snap him up and swallow him deep into the earth. His thumped on his hooded head with a fist, growling to himself.

It took a long time to calm down, and once he did, he realised he wasn't alone at the side of the building. He kept his eyes closed. "Go away." It was all he could muster, his tone as hard as it had been in the store. He needed to get the rest of his supplies, and he really didn't feel like it now. His mottled eyes slowly opened, and flowed from beneath the hem of the hood over his head as he looked up at the person stood over him.

 

[InkedFox]

"Raven!" Philemona cried as she witnessed the collision. She wrestled between a group of tightly knit onlookers and grasped at her niece. Though the young girl continued searching the floor for her glasses in a panic. "Where, love? I don't see where you dropped--" Her aunt's words fell short as her eyes landed unto a rather unique sight. the lad was tall and well muscled for what his lanky form should have been at his age, and his skin and hair were as stark white as pure snow, and dappled throughout with shades of silvery freckles and birth marks. He helped her niece to her feet, and placed the glasses in Raven's hand.

"Here. Watch where you're going next time." The figure said gruffly, though Raven was very grateful and stated so as she slipped the spectacles onto her face.

The small girl was met with dusky blush colored eyes, staring back at her in dejection. Her heart skipped a beat, not expecting the sight and she was caught in a daze as she stared at him. Her eyes lingered not out of disgust or horror, but because she found him beautiful. The way the tendrils of his coiled hair sparkled like spun threads of moonlight dazzled her, and though his face was scared-- it was broad and handsome for his age. His lips, though torn at the corner, pulled at Raven's heart strings and she found herself blushing abashedly when retracing his features in her head.

Her face was glowing hot by the time he turned his back on her in a huff and retrieved his books from the nearby patrons who were kind enough to pick them up. Her heart sank in to her stomach noticing his annoyance with her; she had made such a bad impression. He looked interesting too, and she wondered if he was a Hogwarts hopeful. Peering around his shoulders, and having to stand on the tips of her toes just for a better look, Raven caught sight of the titles in his arms and realized they were the same as the ones on her list. A bit confused she drew back behind her aunt and whispered to Philomena. "How old do you think he is?"

To which Philomena looked over the poor lad once more as he pulled his hood up and took note of the many scars across his ghostly hands. "I dunno-- He could be tall for his age... --Why? Do you like him? heehee-- Your mother always liked the rougher ones too." Her aunt added with a mischievous smirk and a sly glance. Raven crumbled under her accusing gaze, and she puffed her cheeks and tried to deny her interest.

"--That's not it I just--" Raven began but halted as her aunt took the books from her arms, and lightly pushed her towards the exit. "Here take some money, and go see if your friend wants to go shopping. You've already broken the ice--" The sly woman said as she winked at her niece and nodded to the lad as he took his leave from the bookstore. Sheepishly, Raven accepted a few odd coins and scampered off after the mysterious hooded figure with her aunt smiling ear to ear and quietly cheering her on, as the shy girl over came her social apprehension, and went pursuing the unique young man. She found him only steps from the book store, tucked into a corner, with his back pressed flat to the brick wall behind him. He looked like he was in a foul mood, and Raven hesitated but felt guilty for having put him in such a state. She stepped forward despite her timidness and was met with a curt and gruff. "Go away."

Raven winced and blinked a few times considering just that, but her heart, swollen and heavy with guilt, wouldn't let her. "I'm really really sorry. I didn't mean to--" She stopped feeling as though her words were not reaching him. Perhaps she could try another approach. The young girl stood straight and stuck out her hand and smiled as brightly as she could muster. "Hello-- My name is Raven Hathoway. --It's nice to meet you, are you a new student at Hogwarts, too?" She chimed sweetly, just like she had practiced in the mirror at home.

 

[Malhyanth]

It was her; with her mocha skin, and dark waves of hair that made him envious. Her glasses were squarely sat in the bridge of her nose now, and the mottled white-blue and dusky pink eyes that looked at her furrowed in a frown. His lip curled back from his slightly sharper than usual teeth, and he crossed his arms over his chest, hiding his hands from her as she stuck her's out, meaning to make friends. He scowled deeply, before he stood, brushing down his black jeans, and peering down at her from his height, eyes almost seeming to glow from within the shadow of the hood. Wyatt pulled a disgruntled face, his lips pursing and moving to the left and his teeth chewed a little at the knobblied area of scarring on the inside of his lip's edge.

"Sorry? I haven't even started school and I'm going to be the 'kid that got knocked down by a girl'. I don't think you get to say sorry." His voice was hard, but it was obvious it was hiding the hurt he was feeling. He'd not even begun in this new world he was supposed to fit into more, and here he was, already seeing the pointing happening, the whispers. He pulled his bag of books up closer to his chest. "You're a pretty girl. You won't get anything like I'm going to get thanks to you being a klutz!" He sneered down at her, and looked at her offered hand. "I honestly don't care what your name is. I just hope I don't have to see you in my classes. I don't want to see your stupid face again."

Wyatt didn't really believe the words he was saying, and she did look like she would be a really lovely girl to get to know, but he finished his aggressive speech, and pushed past the girl, scowling at her as he went. His next stop was that shop with all the potions supplies; Slug & Jiggers. It seems like there were fewer people in here; probably something to do with the smell! It was dank and musky, and there was a twang to the air that caught Wyatt's throat. He pottered around the shop, selecting his required items, and taking them to the counter. These were paid for, and he slowly made his way out to the Alley again. He couldn't see the girl, but she was far less conspicuous than he, so perhaps she was nearby. He got the feeling she wouldn't give up easily. Placing his potions items carefully into the bag with his books, he decided before getting his robes, and the wand, and anything else suggested, he was going to get something to eat.

Rosa Lee's Teabag stood quiet and dainty. Wyatt's eyes and nose wrinkled at its putrid pale yellow visage. As he stepped through the door, he was shown to the last small table, which was right beside the many faceted windows. He sighed, but accepted it. Perhaps a calming tea would calm his nerves and make him less irritable? He doubted it, that girl had really put a dampener on his day. He ordered a tea called 'Calm & Light', with rooibus, lavender, and strawberry pieces. He also ordered a scone and cream and jam. He figured his new parents wouldn't mind him feeding himself out of this money... even if they did insist it was his, not theirs. He waited, looking out the dusty windows. He carefully lowered his hood, hearing a few whispers about the shop, but it made his head itchy where the fabric rubbed against his dreadlocks. A particularly long dread hung from his crown, and this was pulled forward. On this woven length of scraggy white hair, a few feathers had been woven in, Eurasian jay feathers by their reddish tan on one side, and electric blue smudged with black down the other. He worried at the end of it, running his hands down it as he thought, from where the feathers were three quarters up, to the bottom of the length. His tea was delivered, in a very interesting tea pot that seemed to have a fish shaped infuser swimming around inside, trailing the dark tanins of the tea around, mixing as it swam. It's little mouth gaped over and over, and it watched Wyatt from within its glass pot. This place continued to amaze the boy. His scone was soon delivered, warmed, to his table, along with the bill. Wyatt placed the coins required down, and settled to enjoy his food.

 

[InkedFox]

Raven's heart sank deeply into her chest as her greeting was met with bitterness. He rose to his feet and Raven had the crane her neck to see his face as he towered over her. He was beyond angry with her, and once realizing that he had no intention of accepting her hand shake, her hands fell to her lap and began fiddling nervously with the hem of her grey linen dress. Her soft round eyes fell to her feet as he scalded her, and she felt like she was shrinking smaller and smaller the more his lightly colored eyes glared down at her. She wanted to crawl into a hole-- how could she be so thoughtless? He had every right to be angry at her, and though she wanted to explain, it only felt like excuses with the way he barreled in on her. Though at one point the heaviness of his words dissipated the moment his angry tone mentioned, "You're a pretty girl..."

That sent an unfamiliar pang through Raven's chest that replaced the immense feeling of guilt. 'He said I was pretty--' She thought to herself in abashed disbelief. Her cheeks lit up and her ears began to feel warm the more she replayed the sentiment in her head. Though her elation was quickly torn down as he finished his tirade by stating how he'd never want to see her 'stupid face' again. Stunned, and rejected for the thousandth time; Raven simply stood there as he marched off around her. Her stomach was in knots and she felt sick. The trembling in her stomach slowly worked its way into her chest and she found herself fighting back sobbing breaths. What was she going to tell her aunt? She was such a miserable failure at making friends, and she was too embarrassed to explain what happened to her aunt, that Raven simply began waking.

Maybe some window shopping would take her mind off the pain in her chest and the exhaustion she felt after feeling that familiar sting of rejection again. As she trudged through Diagon Alley, peering into the windows as she went, she couldn't help but stare at her own reflection instead of the menagerie of magical items beyond the glass. Not even the exotic owls in Eelop's Owl Emporium could tear her eyes away. She hated herself for not being... better-- and the words the young man had spat at her rang in her head so loudly that they shook tears loose from her soft brown eyes. A shaky breath later, and her wall finally crumbled, letting a hushed sob escape her throat. She bowed her head, ashamed, and took off walking at a brisk pace down the street. Large soggy tears blurred her vision and she didn't want any one to see her crying so she kept her head bowed and continued on blindly --until

"Oof!" That was the only sound heard as she ran into another person; this time both of them went to the ground. Already feeling horrid for knocking into someone earlier. Raven scrambled over and urgently checks the person she's bumped into. "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" She shouted desperately as if she expected this person to viciously bite her head off like earlier, but instead, this person was laughing.

"Not to worry, chum! Are you alright? You look like you've been cryin', haven't you?" The person who Raven had run into was a ginger haired girl with a friendly round face and an effortless smile. She was dressed in a plaid skirt with a rather smart looking vest and stylish coat. Her hair, though bright orange, fell in lovely long ringlets that framed her face. She helped Raven to her feet, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Oh come now-- what's got you so upset. We didn't bump that hard--" The girl laughed again as if to assure Raven everything was alright. It was a relief that she wasn't angry, but Raven didn't know what to say to the kind girl.

"Penny-- Penny Pewter! Nice to meet you --What brings you to Diagon?" The young redhead said as if picking up on Raven's shyness.

"I-I'm Raven-- Raven Hathoway. I came with my aunt to get supplies for school." Raven stammered, and blushed as Penny finished wiping her cheeks dry of tears.

"Oh! You're going to Hogwarts, then? Me too! It's so nice to meet a fellow student heh! --But what's got you so upset?" Penny seemed like a friendly person and Raven felt herself relax as Penny smiled at her. At first Raven protested explaining, but Penny pressed, assuring her that they were going to get a head start on their friendship since they were going to be classmates, and insisted that Raven air what was weighing heavily on her heart. After explaining how she had angered a young man by knocking him over and how he had yelled at her, Penny simply frowned and took Raven by the shoulders and shook the brunette slightly.

"--Don't you let that belly-acher bellow at you like that again! next time you give him a piece of your mind! --Wasn't your fault that happened. If I see him, I'll give him a good what for!" Penny said fiercely. "You know what helps me calm down-- A good cup of tea, my aunts own a nice little tea shop down the way. Shall we?" Penny beamed at Raven who was left helpless as the spry red head tugged her towards Rosa Lee's Teabag.

"Penny-- I don't--" Raven tried to speak up for herself, but again her timidness took reign and before she knew it Penny was dragging her through the tea shop doors. The ginger spun around and smiled at Raven. "You must try the jasmine infusion-- it's my favorite," the ginger said pinning Raven with her, so far, signature smile. "--and these! These are scrumptious!" Penny giggled as she trotted up to the front counter and removed two braided loafs of bread that had the strong smell of toffee to them. Raven looked at the girl skeptically but Penny assured her it was all alright since it was her family's shop. Things were starting to look up, and Raven was happy to have found Penny. Though Penny's sunny disposition quickly took a cloudy turn when a group of boys around their age came in through the doors. Most were flank round a young man of medium height and slick black greasy hair. He had unsettling pale green eyes and was boasting loudly about some fight he had apparently won despite the odds. Penny frowned the moment she saw him and he and his group halted and pinned Penny with the same distasteful look.

"Well-- if it isn't Penny Pee-yew-ter." The ring leader chuckled and his three large cohorts laughed in chorus.

"What do you want, Arryn?" Penny spat back.

"Relax-- My father's quite fond of the scones here, that's all-- Don't worry, I'm not stopping you from making that fat face any rounder." He snickered again and so did his boys, and Raven felt anger welling up in her.

"Get your scones and leave Arryn!" Penny retorted, and puffed her cheeks.

"--I'll get my scones when I'm good and ready..." Arryn said in a low threatening tone as he came up close, face to face with Penny. He then cast his slime colored eyes toward Raven. "--and who's this? Some little mud-blood you've taken a likin' to?"

"Now you've done it-- get out or I'll throw you out!" Penny said angrily, though Raven wasn't sure what mud-blood meant, it seemed to really make Penny upset. From her plaid skirt, Penny produced her wand and held it out at Arryn who recoiled slightly though laughed.

"Heh-- well at least you know which way to point it. Like I said-- I'm just here for scones..." Arryn seemed to back off a bit and turned to head towards the counter to order his father's snack, but it was a flash of pale white in the corner that drew his sharp eyes. "Oh-ho! Almost frightened me--! Look at what we got here, boys --It's a ghost. --Shouldn't you be haunting some old depressing place?" The ebony haired pompous young man pointed at a large pale figure in the corner that Raven immediately recognized as the albino boy from earlier. Her heart lept into her throat wondering how he'd react to this form of ridicule, and another part of her wanted to step in and stop Arryn. --She felt so weak, but Arryn's last comment was the straw that broke the camel's back. "Did you fall into a bag of flour this morning and not bathe? Heheh! It looks like you don't shower at all, from the state of that filth ridden mop you got covered up under that cheap hoodie, who let you in here?"

With that, several decorative dishes came flying off the shelves and careened themselves toward the insulting young man. A few shattered on the ground around Arryn's feet, while one dish went spinning like frisbee directly into his nose. Arryn howled in pain as it shattered but miraculously left him unmarked, though thrown off balance, as he went reeling to the ground. His boys came to pick him up, and with that amount of trouble stirred up, the shop keeper was shouting for all the children to get out! Arryn's henchmen swiftly dragged him off down the alley way, as he hurled more insults and threats of his father hearing of this, at the girls.

"I'm so sorry Penny!" Raven wailed as they were pushed out onto the street --but Penny was too busy laughing and clutching her stomach to accept the apology.

"No worries! that was the best thing I've ever seen! Arryn deserved every bit of that!" Penny exclaimed and then tucked her wand away. "How'd you do that without a wand anyway?"

"I don't know--- he just... he just made me so angry...." Raven explained and balled her fist, thinking of that poor young man just trying to enjoy his tea. How could some one be as cruel as Arryn?

"--Heh you should probably get a wand then before your powers start running a muck...." Penny said as she finally calmed down and wiped tears from her light blue eyes. As if on cue, Aunt Philomena broke through the crowd, with bags of supplies spilling from her arms and began waving and calling over to the girls standing in front of Rosa Lee's Teabag.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt was slowly calming, when people started to enter his quiet space. The first pair he noticed made his heart sink. She'd followed him, and found herself a cronie. Her raven hair bounced in waves, and she seemed animated as she spoke to this new girl. She hadn't spotted him yet, which was great. However, if they were planning on staying, that was going to change. He frowned, and focused on his tea cup and the tea strainer fish swimming round and round the see through pot. The next group were even worse; a group of lads with a clear chip on their shoulder that would make life for Wyatt difficult, and they took no time at all in getting that point across! Without so much as a beat between harassing the girls, and then harassing Wyatt, the albino simply played deaf, and sipped his tea, looking out the windows.

What he didn't expect was the sound of shattering China. His mottled eyes sought the source of the sounds, to see cups and saucers flying around the lads, forcing them back, stumbling, and then the owner of the shop screaming at them all to leave. Wyatt remained quiet, pretending to be unfazed, watching the boys scarper from the angry girls. They'd headed back to the main Diagon Alley drag. Good. They were going to be in plain sight of all if they decided to pick on Wyatt again. Once he was done dispensing "muggle justice", they weren't going to mess with him again. Finishing his meal, and his pot of tea, he left a tip, and walked out. He looked out the corner of his eye at the two girls and the aunt of that Raven girl, before he pulled his hood over his hair once more, and headed towards the town. The boys were loud, and easy to distinguish. They were talking about the psychotic little witches in the Teabag, too busy to notice the silent boy, until his bag was set down behind them and his pale scarred hand was at his throat, lifting him bodily from the floor against a wall.

"I sense we are going to potentially have issues, and I want to make something very clear." Wyatt's words were measured, tense, his eyes boring into those of the gasping, wailing boy whom was clawing at his hand, his legs twitching. His cronies were dumbfounded, and just stood there, watching the scene. People scurried past, typical bypasser behaviour, pretending they didn't see anything. Wyatt's sharp smirk stretched a little further as the boy saw him up close, and started to panic a little. "I hope you shall find it within your ability to leave me the heck alone. I am not here in this new little world to listen to the same tripe from the same jumped up little rich kids. The humans I grew up with were much nastier than you will ever be."

Wyatt finally released the smaller, rattier child, and watched him collapse into a heap at his feet. He smirked, flexing himself towards the other cronies, whom quickly backed up, scurrying to their fallen leader. "Filthy mudblood!! My father will hear about this!! You're never going to make it to school!!" Wyatt walked on, ignoring the threats. He entered the next shop he needed, the one selling cauldrons, and continued with his day, feeling a little bit better, a little less hassled. Perhaps the day was salvageable!! Now he just had to ensure he avoided that girl! Stepping out with the last of his things; cauldron, robes, quills, parchments, ink, the books and the potion ingredients he'd gathered earlier, he knew there was just one place left to visit, and that was the wand place. He still wasn't sure how he felt about this part. But onwards he must. Gathering his resolve, he headed towards the wand shop, but what he saw as he approached made him realise today really wasn't going to go his way. His eyes hardened as he approached.

"You again." It was an accusation, and he looked at the girl's new companion, trying to work her out.

 

[InkedFox]

"You again..." The spite within the tone itself sent a pang through the brunette's heart and she froze mid-stride as Penny tried to tug her towards Virkesh Wands.

Right about now Raven was really wishing she had elected to go uniform shopping with aunt Philomena. Instead Philomena was delighted that Raven had found a female friend as lovely and spritely as Penny, and she shooed them off toward Virkesh explaining that she'd take care of the rest of the supplies and insisted on the girls having fun without "this stuffy ol' aunt"; though her style of dress was anything but stuffy.

She could hear his foot steps closing in, but she simply glued her large brown eyes to the ground and yelped a cautious. "H-hello..."

She shrank beneath the weight of his hard gaze, and felt as though any moment he was about to chew her out again. This time it was Raven who tugged on Penny as the girl turned and took notice of the tall young man. Penny had grown up in the magical world and nothing ever seldomly surprised her any more, and she didn't even blink twice when looking over at the young man. He was just a very tall fellow wearing a comfortable jumper.

"Oh Hello!" She chimed like a cheerful bell, assuming that Raven and he knew each other. Raven had never given Penny a description of the young man who had made her feel so awful, and Raven was nervous what may happen if she did discover it was him. Penny was about to introduce herself, when Raven panicked and shoved her into the wand shop, scurrying in like a terrified mouse behind her.

"What's gotten into you?" Penny asked bewildered at Raven's sudden impatience.

"O-Oh --I'm just excited to get a wand that's all!" Raven quickly said, and sighed to herself, happy with her clever lie. The interior of the wand shop had been somewhat up dated since Olivander's, but beyond being cleared of cob webs and given a fresh coat of paint, the quaint shop had not changed much since it's first owner. The tall counters sat at the end of the showroom, whose walls were composed of countless rows and slots of long thin drawers, --and behind the counter itself, and piled into corners and on chairs, were all long thin boxes of different colors and lengths. The shop was eerily quiet, and no one else seemed to be there except them. Raven looked a little apprehensive, unsure of how selecting a wand went and stared wide-eyed at the ominously lit front counter.

"Come on! Don't be shy-- it was like this when I came to get my wand. It's always empty just at the right time-- Its almost like the shop itself keeps track of appointments." Penny chuckled and guided Raven to the tall counter where it came up to about her shoulder height, and she peered up at the seemingly endless wall of drawers and boxes. Penny rang the bell on the desk summoning the strange clerk from within the depths of the library of wands in the back.

"Hello!" He called and shuffled up to the counter. "Good evening ladies! Ah-- Penny, I saw you earlier. How's the wand?" The gentle looking older man asked, and Penny beamed back at him. "It's working great!" She chimed, and then added with a less enthusiastic tone. "--Though I haven't really used it yet."

The elder clerk chuckled and nodded. "You will, my girl-- you will. --And this young woman? Ah yes! Miss Raven Hathoway-- we've been expecting you. --One moment." He addressed Raven and watched her with kind and shining eyes. The brunette was very much taken aback when the man knew her name. She exchanged a surprised look with Penny, who simply smiled back knowingly. The old man returned with a small parcel in his hand and slid it toward Raven.

"Try that on for size--" He says and unties the ribbon.

Raven removes the cover to see a jet black wand sitting in a velvet nook within the box. She retrieves it and holds it out, looking between Penny and the clerk.

Penny chuckled when she notices Raven's unsure what to do next and giggles, "Wave it!"

Which Raven does, and subsequently a vase holding flowers floats up and pours its contents onto Penny's head; soaking her.

"OH!" Penny shouted in surprise and freezes as the cold water seeps down her back. The old man stifles a chuckle and reaches to retrieve the wand. "--Not that one..." He tucks it away and retrieves his own wand, soothing young Penny as he utters an incantation that dries her hair and clothes.

"I'm so sorry!" Raven exclaimed for what seemed like the thousandth time that day, but the red head simply laughed and assured her it was alright and quite funny. She knew Raven hadn't done it on purpose.

The old clerk returns from the back once more; this time he brings a short black box and flips the cover open to reveal a wand with a reddish grain. She removes the wand from the box carefully, and points it away from Penny and the clerk, and cautiously swishes it through the air. --Which abruptly causes several shelves in the corner to snap in half; letting a mountain of boxes come tumbling to the floor. In shock Raven glances quickly at the clerk who is simply wide-eyed and retrieves the wand from her hand wordlessly, before returning to the back, muttering "--not that one either."

Raven looked defeated and Penny patted her shoulder. "Don't worry-- wands can be really fickle sometimes..."

"--Yeah... who'd want to get paired with a klutz..." Raven said sadly as her large dark eyes fell to the floor; those bitter words ringing in her head, reminding her of how she never quite fit in-- even among the outcasts. Maybe she'd never find the right wand.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt watched at the girls rushed into the shop, and tried to decide if he should also enter. He leaned against the door, with a sigh, and wondered what to do. Slowly, watching the people going back and forth, he realised it was no good sitting here. He'd have to go in, as was his original plan, whether that girl and her friend were in there or not!! Pushing the door open, he entered just as the shelving unit of wands snapped, and toppled down. He jumped back to avoid being buried beneath the wall of wand boxes, in time to hear the girl repeat his words. A pang of guilt shot through him to hear his words coming out of the dainty girl, but he remained quiet, and looked about a bit more.

"Ahh, Mr Boltset! Come, I have just he wand for you." Wyatt's eyes widened as he stopped dead, hearing his surname come from the aged, middle eastern gentleman. He turned slowly, and looked at the two girls, and then the small man behind the tall counter. He'd purposefully not given his name to the girl before, and here was this man, just letting everyone know! The girl with the curly red hair had wide eyes and a gape as she looked at Wyatt. He frowned at her, and she stopped staring.

"What?" His tone was still harsh, as he slowly approached, placing his many bags down, and coming closer to the counter. She placed her hands over her lower face, covering her mouth as she regained her composure.

"You're--- you're that missing Boltset boy! They said you'd been stolen by Muggles!" Wyatt frowned at her, as the little man disappeared into the store, going off to fetch whatever it was he'd identified for Wyatt. "Is it true?" She seemed to be almost bouncing. Seemed the Boltset name was more well known then he had anticipated. He ignored her question, pulling his hood closer to his face. The little old fellow returned with the wand he'd set aside for Wyatt, and passed him the black box. It had no ribbon, nor string. It was just a black, old box. As he opened it, the pale cream wood within glistened, a kink in its middle bending the tip off to one side, the handle intricately carved with the motif of a snake eating the handle. Wyatt looked at it, not wanting to touch it.

"Hazelwood, 12.5 inches. Dragon heartstring core. It's an identical match to your father's, Wyatt." The old man indicated the handle. "Down to even the handle details." Wyatt looked to the man, finally something other than an annoyed frown gracing his features, as it took on a confused frown, instead. Slowly, he reached out his hand. Soon as his fingers brushed the wood, sparks erupted around him, sizzling against his skin, and making warmth spread up his arm. He snatched his hand back, and looked at the man. Virkesh was grinning.

"Clearly you are more like your father than you knew! Great wand." Wyatt snatched up the box, and cradled it to his chest. "Take your time. There is a chair over near the back." Wyatt nodded silently, and walked away from the counter, feeling the eyes of the two girls as he did so. He left his bags where they were by the counter. He had to return to pay for the wand at any rate. He figured his stuff would be safe for now.

Sitting, the log box laid across his lap, he stared at the battered thing, before once again releasing the image of the wand. He stared at it, before brushing his fingertips over the smooth wood. The handle wasn't worn with use; showing it was a replica, not the real wand his father had used. From what he understood of his parent's passing, they'd gone in a battle, and their items had been obliterated, wands snapped, and shredded, and he... he had been...

He allowed his mind to fall quiet, as he'd practiced so often, to stop the tears from burning his cheeks. He slowly wrapped his fingers around the handle, which felt course and rough to his palm. The edges of the carving would fade with time. He knew why there was a snake on the handle; it was one fact he did know about the Boltsets. They were Slytherins. Through and through. What it meant was they were prone to taking to the dark arts, but they were also fiercely loyal, protective, and determined. What he knew of his family is there was a strong divide; those that went dark went all the way. The others would almost portray notes of a Gryffindor, save they wore the green robes of their house. Wyatt had to admit... he didn't really like green. Or red. He liked black. And being inconspicuous. Being one of those houses always meant trouble.

The wand hummed in his hands, and that warmth spread through him again. It flooded his very senses, and touched his heart. It claimed him as its one and only, and Wyatt knew this wand only belonged to him. It may be a replica of a Boltset wand, but it belonged to Wyatt. It didn't belong to Slytherin, it didn't belong to his father, or his mother. It was his. And he and it wouldn't follow the norms. He'd never done that well. Placing it back in its box, he sat for a moment, silently contemplating, before he realised he was indeed feeling hot tears on his face. The box was brought to his chest once more, and he sat in silent contemplation for a few minutes.

 

[InkedFox]

Raven felt her chest tightened the moment she set eyes on who the clerk was addressing. There, near the doorway stood the pale boy who hated her already. She wanted to crawl under that pile of wands and disappear till he was gone, so she couldn't make a bigger fool of herself in front of him. --but there was no where to hide as he turned his gaze towards them and then to older gentleman. Raven averted her eyes immediately, she couldn't stare at him, it made her nervous. He already thought she was an idiot and she was sure she'd be able to read that in his eyes. The clerk returned to his duties, quickly going to retrieve a wand that had been set aside for the young man, and apparently he was well known-- which made Raven feel as though her stomach were about to fall out and hit the ground.

She did her best to look preoccupied by all the different boxes while listening to Penny become completely unable to contain herself. Penny mentioned he had been a missing boy that was assumed kidnapped; but Penny never got her answer as Virkesh returned with Mr.Boltset's parcel. He handed it over and Penny couldn't help but peer over and let a small "--Oooo!" escape her lips as she scanned the pale wand. The old clerk explained that it was a replica of his father's, and Raven felt her throat go dry.

--She had no lineage to speak of outside of her Aunt, of course she was having so much troubling finding a wand. Fighting the urge to groan and lay her temple against the counter, as her stomach continued to flip flop, she spied from the corner of her eye, sparks emitting between the boy's hand and the wand, and her attention snapped over. Was that suppose to happen? Would that happen when she found her wand? Raven wondered as she watched the young man meet the manifestation of sparks with the same befuddlement mirrored in his eyes.

Apparently it was a good thing, as Virkesh sounded quite pleased and advised the young man to take his time. Raven felt a little more relaxed now that his attention was set on his wand, though she stole an occasional glance over her shoulder at him. He looked as if were in deep thought and Raven wondered what could be going through his head as he regarded the piece. Though her attention was pulled away the moment that Penny whispered to her. "You didn't tell me you knew the Boltset boy--"

To which Raven replied. "--I don't..." and cast her eyes away as if unwilling to address the subject. Penny was slightly surprised by her terse words and her light blue eyes trailed between the two suspiciously. "--I don't..." Raven repeated in a cautious whisper as if begging Penny to stop staring in his direction. Luckily Virkesh returned with several boxes in his arms this time and set them all onto the table, sighing.

"You're a bit harder to peg than I first predicted, my dear-- Please. Take your pick--" He gestured to five boxes laid out onto the counter. Two boxes were identical and black, while the three others were varying shades of orange, blue, and chartreuse. Raven cast a worried gaze over at Penny who just chuckled and patted her shoulder reassuringly. From the first box, one of the black boxes, she retrieved another ebony wand, though this had small notches cut down the length of it. She gave it a swish, and the wand went flying out of her hand and clattered on the floor across the room. The three exchanged a flat look, and Virkesh nodded to the next box-- which was untied and opened to reveal, yet another darkly colored wand, though this had a woven handle, with threads of turquoise spun into it. They all seemed to take a deep breath together as they prepared for the worst. --Another swish ---and the chair Virkesh had been standing on goes skidding across the floor. The clerk nearly topples but steadies himself and quickly snaps the wand from her hand and shuts it back into the box.

"--I do like a challenge..." The tanned skin clerk chuckled, and pushed the remaining three boxes towards her. Resolutely, she goes to open the blue box, and is met with a delicately carved wand with a braided handle. Strangely enough, when she swishes, absolutely nothing happens, and most in the room freeze and stare around as if expecting the roof to cave in any moment. --but nothing.

Raven places the wand back, and there is a frown forming on her face. She's starting to feel defeated and Penny can tell. The redhead pats her shoulder, and encourages her "--Hey, like I said... Wands are fickle. But once you find the right one... It's like making a best friend for life!"

The dark-haired girl tries to find motivation in that and proceeds to try the two last boxes, but one of the wands ricochets from her hand, like the first had, and the other fizzles and smokes when she waves it. Virkesh collects the boxes, and sighs as he goes to retrieve another round of selections --but halts the moment a drawer directly behind the counter springs open, and out pops a long white box, gilded with fine silver flourishes decorating its corners, as if it is impatient and has waited long enough. Virkesh turns and inspects the white wood box, and a skeptical look crosses his expression.

"No-- could it be?" He says to no one in particular, but retrieves the container from the ground and sets it on the table before her. "--This one is a trouble maker... It's been here for ages --since even before I owned this shop. Stubborn thing--" He uttered but slid it toward Raven who admired the box's craftsmanship.

"Well!?" Penny chimed in and hurried her along, a good feeling welling up in the optimistic girl. "Open it!" She demanded enthusiastically.

Raven un-cinched the metal clasp that held the box closed and slowly pulled the top off to reveal a wand with lightly colored grain and the handle carved into several graceful and inter-looping Celtic knots that ended in the head of a dragon. "Spruce Wood. Phoenix Feather Core. Nine and three quarters length, and slightly springy..." Virkesh says pridefully as Raven runs her hand over the smooth end. "Most say Spruce is a hard wood to work with when making wands... but that only demonstrates their ineptitude-- it gives the wand a sense of independence, and it is quite powerful when it finds its way into the hands of a confident spell caster..." The little man explains.

This time-- it felt different. The wand in her hands felt like it was reaching out to her, and her finger tips start to tingle as she held the wand. Something about it just felt right, and she swished the wand experimentally. The motion summoned up a powerful feeling that warmed her heart, as if she were reuniting with a childhood friend. This time a plume of light danced from the tip of the wand and circled around Raven glowing in a myriad of rainbow colors and sprinkling brightly colored dust as it sailed. Eventually it twinkled and died away to nothing.

"Ah-- we have a match." Virkesh said triumphantly, and chuckled. Penny beamed over at Raven and the dusky skinned girl blushed and smiled happily. She had almost given up. Paying the clerk, she placed her new wand back into it's box, and turned to leave with Penny. Her pace somewhat slowed when she noticed the Boltset boy still sitting there. His cheeks glistening slightly with tears. Raven peered around Penny to get a better look, and her hand mindlessly retrieved a handkerchief from her pocket, but froze there, not daring to go any closer. Penny, on the other hand, was absolutely elated about Raven finding her wand, and saw fit to chat the girl's ear off on the way out, but stopped as she notices raven's attention has been taken up. Penny looks over at the Boltset boy, noting his long face and then peered back at Raven who had her handkerchief in hand.

"Oh go on!" Penny insisted and pushed Raven towards him.

The brunette stumbled but recovered, and unfortunately, by now he had certainly noticed her tripping towards him --again. Embarrassed, her freckles lit up beet red and she tossed the handkerchief into his lap, wordlessly, and then fled out the front door with Penny racing behind her. "Wait! Raven! At least say something--!"

 

[Malhyanth]

He could hear the commotion of the three at the clerk's desk as though far away. He remained seated, realising she had found her wand, and by the sound of it, it had been an unexpected one. As the girls left, Wyatt, started to find his feet, still clutching the box close to his chest, his heart aching with the memories that had been stolen from him, never made, and it was then he looked up, mottled eyes meeting near pitch black once; two extremes of a coin. He frowned at her, but not necessarily in an unpleasant way, more a confused frown. She lobbed something at him that made him jump, and being precariously balanced on the edge of the seat he'd taken, caused him to promptly slip off and bash his head against it as he landed in a heap once again. She'd fled by this point, but the red-head she was with had witnessed the result, and raced after her new friend.

Wyatt grumbled, righting himself, taking up the boxed wand, and the item she had thrown. A handkerchief. It was at that point he realised he had tears cooling on his face. He gasped, and used his sleeve to wipe at his face, and he sniffed. Furious with himself, he stood, shoving the handkerchief into his pocket without using it, and stormed up to the clerk's desk. Virkesh simply smiled at him, and stated the price of the wand. Wyatt removed his coin purse, handing over the large number of coins required. Wyatt didn't even seem to hear as the man gave him a farewell, pushing the box deep into his bags as he could, and turning, leaving the dark little store.

Once outside, he breathed deep. What had he been thinking, showing himself up like that? He looked around, but couldn't see either girl, annoyed at how easily they disappeared into the crowds of Diagon. The great clock tower of Gringotts chimed, informing him of the time. His new parents had advised the would meet him in the Leaky Cauldron in 15 minutes, to help him back home with all his items. He hadn't really wanted them to collect him, but after his stressful day, he figured it was actually alright; they wouldn't ask questions, but they'd carry some of these large bags and boxes, and let him sit quietly and think. He gathered his bearings, before heading to the Leaky Cauldron.

 

[InkedFox]

Penny had to run to catch up with Raven and by the time she did, Raven had doubled over and panted from how fast she had ran.

"--you know you shocked him! He nearly fell over from fright! What got into you?" Penny called as she caught up with the dark haired girl. Raven fumbled with the wand box in her hand and straightened her wool sweater before settling nervous eyes onto Penny. By now--- the ginger could catch the warm hue of Raven's cheeks and she smiled knowingly. "You think he's cute --don't you?"

Raven winced at the statement and was beginning to learn just how perceptive her new friend was. Her face warmed up and she recoiled and hid her cheeks in the generous neck of her sweater.

"I-I do not!" Raven retorted and tore her eyes away and began stalking off to find her Aunt.

Penny simply skipped behind Raven, cheerfully giggling. "You like him! He is unique isn't he?"

Penny beamed and Raven only sank further into her sweater and marched forward, determined not to cast her eyes in Penny's direction. Eventually the young girl gave up and the two went about looking for Philomena, who they spotted coming out of the Owl emporium. The blue-haired woman smiled brightly at them as she turned and approached them with her arms full of supplies and uniforms. In one hand it looked to be as if she were carrying something in a large cage. She beckoned the girls over, and Raven and Penny hurried to her, holding out helpful hands to unburden the woman.

Philomena smiled warmly at her niece, "Hold this instead..." She uttered as she pulled a satchel from Raven's hands, and held out the cage that was draped with a deep violet velvet cloth that shimmered in waves.

"What is it?" Raven asked as she eyed the parcel curiously, and a light 'hoot' issued from it.

"Its yours, Raven-- You'll need some way to send me and your parents letters. I think he's good enough to get the job done." The elder woman chuckled before pulling at the cloth and revealing a snow white barn owl sitting perched inside the silver cage. Its face was perfectly round and smooth, and it's beak lay hidden beneath tuffs of soft plumage. Its eyes were the most notable though; they were perfectly round and bright red with flecks of silver throughout them. Raven's heart twinged at the sight of him.

"Oh! Aunt Phil! You didn't! Mother will flip!" Raven exclaimed but she couldn't contain her admiration.

"Let her flip! Its the most exercise she's had in a month!" Phil exclaimed and then opened the door to the cage to stroke the smooth and mottled feathers of the bird. "Besides-- he was smitten with you the moment he first saw you--"

Raven blinked up at the woman and then suddenly remembered having trailed past the emporium with tears in her eyes. How could she have missed such a beautiful creature staring back at her? She didn't know whether Philomena was joking or if she had some kind of sixth sense for animals, but she was happy with her new companion non-the-less.

"What will you call him?" Penny chimed in and drew in to get a better look at him. Raven thought for a moment but nothing that truly struck her came to mind.

"I---I don't know...." She frowned but Penny and Philomena flashed the girl similar grins.

"That's fine, love. Name him when it comes to you-- don't rush it." Her aunt cooed and stroked Raven's hair as she marveled at the bird. "Tomorrow, early, we must get to King's Crossing-- Your train will be leaving at 7am sharp. We mustn't miss it." She explained, and Penny chimed in once more.

"--Do you want to share a cabin?! Me and my folks can meet you there!" She sounded so excited that the only thing Raven could do was smile back and nod in agreement. There wasn't much left to do after Raven's supplies had been bought and she now had a messenger owl. She was sad to part with Penny, but excited to know she'd see her again the next day.

They returned home, but that night was longer then all the others and Raven couldn't bring herself to sleep. She was too excited, and the anticipation kept her tossing and turning in her bed. By the time dawn came, Raven was already cleaned up, packed and ready to go.

King's Crossing was buzzing with people already by the time they got there. It was usually like this, with all types of people from all over taking trains all across Europe from here.

"Step lively now! We must get to platform nine and three quarters--" Philomena called back as Raven pushed her trolley close behind the woman, who wearing another dress that echoed something from the 1950s. The brunette cast her dark gaze around attempting to find the platform sign but was a bit dismayed when she couldn't spot it. She did, however, see other children with trolleys full of items that looked like her own and they were rushing down towards platform nine in the same direction Philomena was taking her.

"Auntie Phil--- I don't see--" Raven was about to voice her complaints when Philomena stopped abruptly before the third pillar on the 9th platform.

"Alright-- just watch..." Philomena pointed out a group of children with the same trolleys and one by one, each would check for the coast to clear, and then they would go running directly at the center of the pillar. Raven winced, expecting the child to go careening into the wall, but instead-- he disappeared straight through it.

"See-- Now wait for these two to go... and then run right for the center-- I'll be in after you... Get ready." Philomena coached the girl quietly, and the anticipation welled up in Raven's legs. She could feel her calves tensing as she waited for the two other children to cross through and then her aunt suddenly said "now!" in a hushed yet urgent tone.

Raven went running. Pushing her cart with all her might. Fear claimed her at the last second and her stomach lurched as she expected to come crashing against solid wall and she squeezed her eyes shut but pushed forward. To her surprise, she did not crash. In fact, she now found the pillar behind her and a length of station before her, with conductors and children all carrying supplies like hers, buzzing around a huge steam engine. The sign on the pillar behind her read 'Platform 9 3/4' and a tear almost escaped the frame of her eyes as the thought of a magic school was slowly becoming more and more real to her. A few seconds later, in walks Aunt Philomena with a cheery grin on her face.

"Well done! The first time I did it, I panicked and had a false start-- hah!" the woman laughed but stepped around Raven to guided her towards the train.

"Raven!" She heard her name called just as she handed her trolley to the conductor to load it in. Looking around she spotted bright-haired Penny, waving at her, and flanked by a family all with striking resemblances.

"Hello Penny!" Raven called back and waved her over.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt was quiet all the way home, sat in the back of the muggle car. His new parents were very good at blending with the humans, the muggles, and rarely stood out like other wizardinf folks seemed to with their odd attire. The two seemed to know not to question him too much, and remained quiet, letting the boy think. He'd slowly taken his hood down once he was in the car, and they smiled; it had taken months for him to do this around them, and it was small things like the hood being lowered that allowed them little glimpses into what their new son was thinking, how he was feeling. Revealing his appearance around them now, meant he was comfortable enough around them to show himself.

His quiet musing went to everything he'd experienced. The strange experience of walking into a hidden alley through a wall that folded open, exploring shop fronts with a myriad strange articles and items that he could barely believe. Buying all his gear; identifying his wand.

Meeting her.

His pale features frowned. Why was that dark haired girl sitting in his mind still? Sure, she'd run into him and knocked him flying, and then had made him jump and fall from his chair, by throwing a handkerchief at him. He shook his head, thinking. She was sweet, but she was naive. She'd tried to make friends with him, not realising how dangerous he could be for her. He sighed, and pressed his forehead against the cool, tinted glass of his parent's car. The drive into the rural village where they lived was long, and eventually, his eyes drifted closed. His dreams were troubled; images of green flashes, and shining white, slathering teeth, then warmth, and a pair of dark eyes.

His parents rocked him gently to rouse him. He looked at them with confusion for a moment, before they indicated where they were, and he nodded, opening his door, to turn and take a number of his items. His adopted father took some of the other items, his mother following up with the rest. Entering through the door, a loud sound made Wyatt stop. There, in a very large, golden cage sat a black owl. He stepped back, and pointed at it, opening and closing his mouth.

"He's a melanistic barn owl." His mother touched his shoulders, and urging him on. "He's like... the opposite of you." She chuckled, and Wyatt stepped forward, placing his bags, boxes and assorted items down, walking across to the owl, and kneeling down in front of him. Placing a hand against the door, the owl screeched, and then leant forward, nuzzling his beak against the fingers pressed against the bars. "He likes you. He's yours, we want you to be able to let us know how you're doing, whilst you're away at school."

"I can't take him." Wyatt rubbed at his eyes, which felt hot and itchy. The owl screeched again, and flapped his ashy wings, his dark, New Moon face bobbing up and down.

"You can. He's yours. We got him for you, to show we are serious in our expectations of you, and that we want you to exceed. An owl will be a huge assistance to you." Wyatt stood, and held his hands close to his sides, fists clenched, eyes bright as he looked at the owl.

"Th-thank you." He murmured, grabbing all his kit and leaving them in the room with the owl, taking all his items up to his room. He was tired, and cranky, and somewhat emotional. He sat on his bed, holding the box of the wand, when a gentle knock came at his door. His mother entered, with the covered cage of the owl. She smiled at him, warmly, and set the cage down on his dresser, before leaving out the same door, with no words. Slowly, he loaded all his items into the trunk he'd been given by his new parents. He stacked things specifically, before setting his robes on the top, knowing he'd need to be wearing these once on the train.

-----

Morning came too fast, and Wyatt felt sick. He'd barely slept, and wanted to retch. The owl was out of his cage, settled on the headboard of the bed, screeching intermittently. Wyatt turned, and held out his hand, and the owl stepped up, holding on as he was placed back into the cage, and shut in. His mother's gentle knock had him breathing hard, and he squared his shoulders, before going and opening the door. She smiled at him, and he just nodded. He retrieved the cage, and slowly made his way down the stairs. His father followed with his trunk. That was all his items. They bundled into the car and driver once again in silence; this time, however, his hood remained up.

Once they got to the London Station, Wyatt turned, and hugged his parents before they got to the gates. "Please don't come with me." His mother wrapped herself in her arms, and his father draped an arm over her shoulders. They nodded, and allowed him to enter alone. He pushed his trolley, and slowly followed the crowds. There were a few families that looked like the sort he needed to follow. A few mumbled words made him sure, as he heard increasingly the use of the words 'three quarters'. Following one particular family, he watched as they quickly walked at a particular central pillar, and disappeared. He frowned, hidden by his hood, and looked around. No one seemed to have noticed. He started to walk at it cautiously, and leant against the wall; at least, he tried to. Falling through, he stumbled through on the other side with his trunk, trolley and owl.

The other side was steamy and loud with excited chattering. Families were all over, saying goodbye. Wyatt headed towards the front of the train, where all the youngsters seemed to be. He had his items taken by one of the train tenders, whom started to load them into the train. Wyatt stayed with the things, and settled into the carriage that they were deposited in. Having no family to wave him off made it easier to just get in and get settled. He kept his hood up, and looked out through the shrouded darkness.

 

[InkedFox]

Penny and Raven bid their families goodbye, and filed onto the engine with the other children. They were guided towards the sectioned off cabins, that lined one side of cart leaving a long stretch of hallway down the other side. Everything on the inside looked like the run of the mill commuters cart, but soon after the train had started up and chugged away, ladies pushing concession carts visited each cabin, and presented a wide variety of sweets and treats Raven had never heard of.

"Oh-- you must try the chocolate frogs!" Penny exclaimed as she mobbed the concession woman as she entered and plucked several treats off the cart. Before she knew it, Raven had a lap full of boxes and bags full of candy she was sure her mother would freak out about her having. Still curiosity tugged at her as she looked down at the even curiousier packaging. Penny paid for the lot, and returned to her seat with a cup full of liquid of a warm yellow hue.

"T-Thank you. Isn't this a bit much?" Raven stammered as she sorted through the treats, and set some away for later.

"It's gonna be a long ride, --This will keep us occupied!" Penny chuckled and shook a box of what looked to be jelly beans. The redhead shook a couple from the package and held them out to Raven. Raven examined the mottled beans and took a bright green one from Penny's palm.

She crunched into it without expecting anything out of the sort, but immediately spat the bean out and winced. "What was that?" She gurgled, looking at Penny who was busy biting back sly laughter.

"You got the bogey flavored one didn't you?" The read head asked with a laugh, tossing her bouncy ringlets back.

"Booger?" Raven asked, and Penny nodded with a smile before showing her the back of the package.

"Bott's Beans-- they're magically enchanted to taste exactly like what they're suppose to... even if the flavour is unseemly. --See?" Penny explained as she pointed to a bean chart on the back. At the bottom where her finger lay, it read 'vomit'.

"Ughh that's disgusting! Why?" Raven was confused by the notion of vomit flavored candy but Penny simply chuckled as she popped one into her mouth.

"'A risk with every mouthful!'" She replied, and then subsequently choked as the taste of habanero hot pepper filled her mouth and watered her eyes. Penny squealed something and quickly took several gulps from her cup before putting the jelly beans aside.

"--Quite the adventurous one, eh Penny?" Raven said with a smug smile, and Penny glared back at her with a smirk still painted on her face.

"Of course! I think that's why we get on so well--" There was a mischievous tone to Penny's reply, and Raven caught it.

"What's that suppose to mean--?" Raven blinked back at her from over the thick rim of her glasses.

"--hmmm? Just referring to your taste in boys-- The Boltset boy huh?" Penny was practically grinning by now, leaving Raven to sink into her chair despite her immediate protests.

"--That's not true. I don't even know his name... I just ran into him, once." Though Penny was unaware that Raven literally meant 'ran into'.

"Oh come on! You blush like rose when he's in the room!" The redhead leaned out of her seat to tower over Raven and pinned her with deeper scrutiny. Raven was squirming now, and her dark gaze wandered out the window and focused on the trees racing by in a blur.

"That isn't true at all..." She muttered, as if trying to convince herself.

"Welp-- you aren't gonna be needing these, then--" Penny said flatly as she reached over and plucked the glasses off the bridge of Raven's nose, and hopped out of her seat.

"Hey! What are you--? Give those back!" Raven exclaimed as she snatched for the nimble girl, but Penny managed to scoot out of Raven's reach and was standing with one foot out the cabin door.

"If your gonna act blind even with these on --you don't need them." Penny chuckled mischievously and darted down the hall. Raven steadied herself with the rocking of the train and stepped out after her. Her vision was quite blurry, though, and she had to brace against the wall just to find the path.

"Penny I can't see! This isn't funny!" Raven complained,

--but all she could hear was Penny's voice call back. "You're gonna have to be braver then that if you want to make it into Gyrffindor... Your ears still work don't they?"

"Penny!! This really isn't funny!" The brunette called out, but her heart lurched the moment she heard the door to the cart slid open, allowing in a rush of air, and then slid close, muting the roaring wind outside. "Penny!" There was no answer. Some friend...

Raven trudged fourth, feeling her way around the walls of the cart, till she made it to the door. Her heart raced as she braced herself to swing it open. It took a little effort with the suction of the wind outside, but she managed to pry it open. Unfortunately the next step was over a gap that led to the next cart. Between the gap lay the chains and hook that linked the carts, and though the distance between was very small, to Raven-- who couldn't gauge it properly without her glasses, she struggled to gather up the courage to make the hop. Taking a deep breath she recoiled a bit and then took a running start before she jumped over and nearly smacked her nose on the next door. Feeling grateful to have made the jump; anger reclaimed her as she thought of what she was going to do to Penny once she found the mischievous little imp.

Tugging the door open she went inside, leaving the rushing of the wind outside as she entered the muted cart. This one was quite different though, there was no real sections and it was dimly lit. The shifting of boxes could be heard, and Raven suddenly realized she was standing in the cargo car with all the luggage. "Uuggghhh--" Raven groaned, but pressed on. Sliding her feet through the darkness. "Penny!" She called into the quiet luggage car, and waited for a reply. "Penny! Where are you? Give me back my glasses! It isn't funny anymore!" Raven huffed, her cheeks felt hot like she were on the verge of crying from frustration.

Then suddenly the door behind her flew open, letting the wind race in.

Bang!

A figure ran in and suddenly collided against Raven knocking her over. She laid there reeling and holding her head, which hit the wooden floor pretty hard.

"Raven!? Oh gosh! I'm so sorry! What are you doing here?" The voice belonged to Penny and the girl hastily rose to her feet, bringing Raven with her.

"Penny? I thought you came here with my glasses." The brunette said as she squinted at her friend.

"Oh no-- I was running around the cabin car... until Arryn spotted me and started chasing me with his goons..." Penny griped, but placed Raven's pilfered glasses back onto her nose.

"Chasing you? Why?" Raven asked, allowing her to fix the frames on her face.

"--Cause he's a blighter. That's why--" Penny huffed, but suddenly fell silent as a familiar voice could be heard on the other side of the door.

"You sure she came through here?" It was Arryn's nasally tone, and Penny went wide-eyed, and shoved Raven into the corner with her. Raven had no idea why Penny was so afraid of Arryn discovering them, though she wrote it off as the girl attempting to avoid her arch-nemesis.

Unfortunately, the door slid open again, this time nearly crushing the girls in the corner, and in stepped Arryn, flanked by his two best friends, who were both towering meaty siblings from a pure blood family. "Peeennnyyyyyy? Where has pretty Penny gone?" Arryn called out in mocking tone, as he stared through the dim cart. His eyes caught sight of a hooded figure sitting amongst the luggage and he frowned. "Oi! Who are you? What the hell are you doing back here with our stuff?" He called out, and pointed accusingly at the figure in the back.

 

[Malhyanth]

The journey had been peaceful thus far. He'd made the right decision, he thought, to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the seated cabins. Here, sat with his owl, and his trunk, Wyatt could close his eyes and just rock with the motion of the train with no interruptions. He could hear the exuberant yells and laughing of the other students. Could hear all the running to and fro. Sat here, next to his stuff, out of sight, he was out of mind, and could just chill out, and imagine what the upcoming school time was going to bring him.

Beside him, his owl screeched intermittently. The owl's large, pitch black eyes were unnerving the way they stared. Wyatt felt like the bird was staring into his very soul, could see what was within, and seemed to actively chose to ignore it. Other owls that were in this cargo cabin cowered into corners of cages, or nibbled at covered to try and block their view of the strange child that sat within their sanctum. Wyatt just gently stroked at his own owl's head and neck, a giggle releasing every now and again when the little owl contorted himself into strange positions to continue to receive the attention it was craving. It was only when the door at the far end opened and closed, and that voice rang out that his piece was shattered. He motioned for his owl, still without a name, to remain quiet, and slowly lowered the red curtain that covered the cage.

Mottled eyes watched the scene unfold, and a snarl lifted his lip. He realised a game between these new best friends had clearly gone wrong, and now, the red head had got them into trouble with that strange, weaselly kid that he'd pinned to the wall previously. He was about to get up and announce himself to the girls when Arryn walked in with his cronies. Wyatt rolled his eyes, and continued to watch, hoping he didn't see anything horrible, or witness anytging they would mean he'd had to enter the fray. The girls were frantic, and hid themselves right by the door. Wyatt rolled his eyes; could be a clever move, but could also get them discovered right away. He continued to just sit, not moving.

Arryn had a swagger that Wyatt really couldn't abide; it was the swagger of a rich kid whom figured throwing money at issues would rectify them. Figured nothing could be solved without something to grease the wheels, but it also seemed to leave him with an intense level of self absorbtion rarely suffered by the albino kid. He was called out, and he remained still for a moment, to see if he could pretend to be a part of someone's luggage. It didn't work, and the threat was issued. He stood, taking time to reach his full height. He lowered his hood, and his white dreadlocks gleamed, as his his near transluscebt skin. His weirdly mottled eyes seem to glow in the dim light of the cabin.

"Did I not make myself clear the last we met?" Were the words that came unbidden. He almost winced at the tone, not realising he'd antagonised a beast within Arryn; pride.

"Are you threatening me?" Before Wyatt could really identify what was going on, a wand was pointed at him. He slowly reached into his front pouch pocket of his hoodie, and draw out the Boltset Wand. It hummed with anger at the attitude of the boy before it; it seemed, like a pet, the wand could feed on the emotions of it's wielder. "Oh, you're on this time, you pale freak!" The wand in the other's hand seemed to glow, and shot something st Wyatt in a shower of sparks. Wyatt had no training in how his wand worked, so did what he knew he could; side stepped as fast as he could, pocketing his own wand, and darted forward. He was right up close to Arryn within a second, and this time, the two cronies were slightly quicker to react. As Arryn ducked to avoid anything, the first member of Arryn's little hand landed a punch to Wyatt's jaw, and it snapped Wyatt's head to the side. He snarled, animalistic, and grabbed the large lad by his shirt front. It was all baggy and woollen, but allowed the leverage that was required. Wyatt took the steps, and threw the boy bodily over his shoulder into the space behind him, narrowly avoiding the items stacked on either side.

"What? You need your henchmen to do your dirty works?" His laugh was low and derisive, and the two boys picked up their huge companion, and scurried out, feeling thoroughly beat down. The exertion of speeding his way out of whatever spell the boy had cast suddenly hit, and he felt a dizzy spell hit. He gripped the end of one of the racks to stay upright before looking at the girls with the same subtly reflecting eyes in this dim light. "I told you, stop including me in your issues with that boy!!"

 

[InkedFox]

Penny and Raven stood frozen and tucked as far into the corner as they could muster. They watched with breath hitched in their throats as Arryn entered along with the Bradley twins. They hoped the dimness of the car would play to their advantage and stayed as quiet as they could. Stepping softly, they began to make their way towards the door, but Arryn's voice halted them. He was addressing someone, and they froze in a panic, staring between each other as if to confirm their cover being blown; yet, it was the figure slowly rising to full height within the depths of the car that had a shiver going up the girls spines.

They paused in their retreat and watched in silent awe as the Boltset boy stepped fourth, pulling his hood down and revealing tendrils of moonlight beneath. His creamy skin was like a beacon against the shadows within the car. A fight quickly ensued. Everything happened too quickly, and though the girls wanted to step in; it was over before they barely had time to register one of the Bradley's gone flying into the depths of the shadows. The overwhelming speed and tactic seemed to throw the assailants, as well, and soon enough they were collecting their comrade and retreating back through the door they came through. After a few seconds gone by; the girls' gaze trailed back over to the Boltset boy. Completely shocked-- they had not expected that.

"What a scrapper! That was brilliant!" Penny finally let out a cheer and hopped in place, feeling hundred feet tall after watching Arryn and his goons go running with their tails between their legs. But her rejoicing was cut short as the Boltset boy stumbled and then pinned them with an equally irritated glare as he steadied himself on a nearby rack. The girls rushed forward hoping to help, but the expression on his face was repellent and they stepped back.

"I told you, stop including me in your issues with that boy!!" He spat at them angrily, --but Penny was not one to back down or take blame when she knew she hadn't done anything wrong.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Penny put her hand up and squinted at him in the darkness. "We had no idea you was back here to begin with-- and you ain't never gave us more then a couple of grunts and angry mutters that sound a lot like 'You again'." Penny mocked the Boltset's gravelly and threatening tone, a matching sneer crossed her face. "We ain't never meant you any harm-- This was an accident. --Besides, what are you doing back here all alone? You're suppose to be up in the cabins with us." Though passionate, her tone was not angry.

Raven felt her stomach turn sickly again. His angry tone put her more on edge then it should have, and he looked tired-- she couldn't blame him for his annoyance with them. She stepped forward and grabbed Penny's arm. "--It's our fault, we shouldn't have been playing around anyway." Raven glanced up at Penny whose mouth fell open to argue but instead pursed at the notion behind Raven's sentiment. She was right, Penny had pushed her limits a bit too early. the redhead rubbed her arm and glanced at her shoes.

"Ugh-- I guess you're right. I'm sorry--" Penny said in a defeat though bitter tone and turned to march out of the car. She stopped before the door and peered back at him before leaving. "You really shouldn't be back here you know-- You could get hurt. Your welcome to share our cabin if you get bored or lonely... or a box falls on top of you, or whatever."

Raven winced at the idea of a box falling on top of him, and covered her face with one hand as she frantically thought of something to say to him before she followed Penny out of the door. "Umm-- I'm sorry I lobbed a handkerchief at you-- Here..." Raven's slender hand slipped into her pocket and retrieved a hexagonal box with blue and gold trim. It was a 'Chocolate Frog' she was saving for later. She placed it on a crate near him. "--That might help with the tiredness... Umm." Shyly she glanced away and began to leave, but as she pulled the door open, she felt compelled to say one last thing. "I like your hair..." The words almost choked her the moment they left her mouth and her cheeks felt warm instantly. She raced out of the car after Penny in frantic abashedness.

"Why did you say that? You're so stupid---" Raven hid her face in her palm and scolded herself as she crossed back into the cabin train. Her face was uncomfortably hot. By the time she got back to their cabin, Penny was already sat down and had headphones in her ears. She smiled at Raven as she came in but didn't seem to notice that she had dawdled or was a shade darker with the blush staining her cheeks. Raven, on the other hand, still felt sick--- Why couldn't she quit while she was a head? Now he probably thought she was weird...

Raven sank into her seat, trying to predict the boy's thoughts, but only succeeding in making herself more embarrassed then before. She rested her temple against the cool glass and resolved to just sit in her seat until she died or reached Hogwarts.... Which ever came first.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt was startled by the retaliation, and straightened. His dusky pink and white-blue mottled eyes narrowed a little at the rebuke from the fiery redhead, and he crossed his arms, pouting a little at her tirade. His slender eyebrow raised at her, and when Raven pulled her back from getting into his face, and she started to apologise, he looked away. When she told him he shouldn't be back here he grumbled low in his chest. The girl was right. He want really supposed to be in here, but he'd valued the peace and quiet. Now though, Arryn and those other boys would know he was here, so he'd need to find somewhere else.

Checking on his owl one more time, seeing him dozing quietly, having ignored all the commotion, Wyatt picked up the purple and gold box that had been lobbed at him; a chocolate frog. It was still in its little prison, and he wrinkled his nostrils at it. He stuffed his other hand into his pocket, where it found the forgotten handkerchief, still untouched. He sighed, lowering his head, his pure white dreadlocks dangling around his face. He knew what he had to do. He didn't want to, but really, he knew he should. He stuffed the frog into his hoodie pocket too, and stepped out the door, hopped the gap, and pushed through the other one.

The noise and smells and bright colours of the first year carriage assaulted him as soon as he stepped through. His nose wrinkled again, and he tried not to notice the stares. He looked casually into each cabin until he found the one he was looking for. The two girls were sat opposite each other, quiet, Raven red faced, Penny bopping her head to whatever music she was listening to. Wyatt pulled the slide door open, and stepped inside, letting it slide closed behind him. He pulled the perfectly folded handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to Raven.

"I never used it. Figured I should give it back." He turned to look around at what appeared to be most of the snack cart strewn around the cabin. Again, his nose wrinkled, and his eyebrows knit in a frown. "You guys are gonna get diabetes or something. Which reminds me..." Wyatt pulled out the chocolate frog, and held it out to Raven. "What is this?" He perched, cautiously, on the edge of the seat opposite Raven, but far enough away from both, and close enough to the door he could escape if it became too much for him. Penny had pulled one of her earphones back, and he regarded her.

"Aren't you a witch? Why do you have a... muggle, is it? Muggle device?" He pulled out his own iPod type devise, and the little ear buds. He never put them into his ears, his hearing was sensitive enough, he just dangled them close. He could hear the beat of the music she was playing quite clearly from where he was sat, and he ran a nervous hand over his dreadlocks. "I like that song..." A little colour touched his cheeks, and he edged back, closer to the door.

 

[InkedFox]

The door to the cabin drew open calling Raven's attention. She peeled her eyes away from the window, and nearly double took when her dark eyes settled onto the Boltset boy's broad figure standing in the door way.

"Oh--" She peeped and righted herself. Surprised by his sudden appearance, she was speechless as he handed her her handkerchief, which had been folded with care. A warm feeling curled in her heart as he explained that he thought it was best to return it. He was thoughtful-- as stand offish as he was. She didn't know what to say, but accepted it with a quiet 'thank you.'

He peered around the cabin taking notice of all the sweets, and she let a small laugh escape at his comment. He was right-- Penny had a way of indulging. --and then he held out the chocolate she had just given him.

"I--I... I'm not really sure either." Raven chuckled nervously knowing how terrible it sounded to give some one candy you didn't know they'd enjoy. "--But Penny says they're awfully good." It was chocolate any way, and who didn't like a bit of chocolate?

As Wyatt settled into his seat, Penny finally took notice of him as his taller form settles onto the seat next to her. The red head turned to see the Boltset boy sat near the door, and chatting quite casually with Raven. She felt ecstatic that he seemed opened to communicating, but knew better than to push him. Instead, Penny removed one of her earphones, and greeted him with a smile. He took notice of her music player and Penny laughed.

"Oh this? Well-- half my family is muggle, so my cousin got me this for Christmas. --Dunno if they'll let me keep it, but I can always try to sneak it past, can't I?" She had a sly smile. Penny's face lit up when the boy mentioned liking the music she was listening to and began to gush. "Oh they're so good-- I went to one of their concerts! Who's your favorite? Do you have any songs on your player?" She peered down at the player in his hand curiously.

"Hmm? Are you talking about a band?" Raven chimed in. Both the girls took conversating slow. They could sense the young man was out of his comfort zone and some what approached him like he was some majestic deer that would spook if they came in too close. The light conversation made the train ride go faster though, and they gave the boy comfortable silence when they saw the conversation starting to weigh on him.

"By the way-- what's your name? We can't keep calling you 'Boltset boy'," Penny said, and then held out the package of Bot's Beans, offering him some.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt edged a little further away, drawing the purple box back to his chest to inspect the chocolate creature inside. He could swear he could see it's eyes blinking, and it's cheek pouches puffing every now and then. He wasn't sure about chocolate, considering what had happened to him in his past, so he decided to wait until such a time he could discuss it with the teachers. He tucked it safely to the side, to take with him, but he did accept a couple of the beans offered. The first tasted wonderful in his tongue, a sweet creamy taste, and when checked, turned out to be custard. The other nearly blew his cheeks out, and were hot chilli. The last was an obscure colour that his nose wrinkled at before he even placed it near his lips. He decided not to take the chance, and politely placed it to the side with his chocolate frog, subconsciously lifting his lip at the idea of vomit flavour, which he'd smelt so keenly.

As the girls nattered on, he tried to keep up. Conversation like this, so casual in tone, was not something he was used to. The red head spoke of the band he'd noticed, and asked him his other preferences, whilst Raven across from him tried to join in, not hearing the music he could hear quite clearly; he could also tell that Penny's speakers were slightly off, with the tonality of the left speaker far exceeding that of the right, so her hearing pleasure must be somewhat diminished!! He swallowed hard, mouth still watering from the hot chilli Bot's Bean. "I don't know, I like most of their stuff." His comment was nonchalant, and he lifted a shoulder, looking to the window of the door, frosted as it was for privacy. "I guess my favourite band is... Mumford and Sons. I like the stompy style." He tipped the screen of his music player towards Penny, and slowly scrolled through the few albums on its screen, including a few Mumford tracks, some Rag'n'Bone Man, then some Yeah Yeah Yeahs. His cheeks coloured a little more, and he leant back, scarred lip pouting a little "I like things with attitude, so I can drown out noise."

For a while, they continued to sit in silence, Wyatt passing on the offer of more beans, that vomit one sitting precariously next to him, with the frog in its cardboard case. He did accept a pumpkin pasty, however, and quietly nibbled at it, staring blankly away from the two whom shared this cabin. In the hallway, excited mutterings could still be heard, but they still had plenty of distance to cover. The question about his name made a frown touch his face. He realised he hadn't introduced himself, though Penny had recognised his wand, and thus knew his family. He wondered about that a bit, before looking down at his hands, clenched into fists, and he stuffed them into the front pocket of his hoodie, fighting the urge to run them over the longest dreadlock in his head, the one with a shock of blue feather; a blue jay wing feather.

"My name... my name is Wyatt..." He frowned as he looked down, the dreadlocks with their random bone, feather and bead decorations falling forward to obscure his features. His straight nose, marred as it was by his scars, wrinkled in its disgruntled way; it was a habit he had, and he barely realised he was doing it. "Though my parents... my foster parents... are Muldoons, I'm a Boltset. Apparently that means something or other." His one hand slowly, unconsciously, raised from his pocket to twirl the longest dreadlock around the fingers, and slide the soft, thin dread around the strong fingers in a nervous movement.

Wyatt had to admit he hated how little he knew of the wizarding world, especially as he was supposed to be of it; supposed to be a part of it. Should have been a part of it, not accidentally lost in the world of Muggles. That night had brought him crashing back into it, and what an introduction! To realise magical beasts and creatures lived all around them, and there were these people... he fell quiet again, and his other hand raised to join the other, slowly, hand over hand, smoothing the dreadlock, staring away into nothingness.

 

[InkedFox]

Penny leaned over and gladly looked over the list on his player. It was a good sign he was willing to share even these little quirks about himself. Raven found herself smiling in silent self satisfaction as she watched him share his interests with a small spark of pride behind his mottled rosy eyes. He was big, but his movements were reserved and gentle; --and his hesitancy only highlighted his shyness. Though he looked mature for his age, Raven could recognize that silent ache for companionship; a feeling shared generously by lonely souls like herself. Meanwhile, Penny glanced up from Wyatt's player screen as he mentioned '--things with attitude.'

Her emerald eyes flickered over to Raven slyly, and she smiled repeating."--Things with attitude, Raven." As if giving the girl a hint. The sentiment stirred the brunette from her thoughts, and Hathoway clicked her tongue and quickly changed the subject.

"I like a lot of acoustic stuff, myself. Mostly piano and guitar really catch my ear--" Raven adjusted her glasses to give herself a reason to divert her gaze. Then fell into a tense silence before uttering. "I wonder when we'll get to Hogwarts--"

There was a noticeable change in his demeanor when asked about his name. They could see more personal questions were harder on him, but it was nice to know what to properly call him now. He held an almost solemn tone when speaking of his parents, though, and the girls stared between each other; both feeling identical pangs of pity for the misplaced youth. There were plenty of enigmas about the young man but they were sure further probing would only be intrusive and only serve to undo all the progress they had made already. Maybe he'd feel more comfortable through the school year with them.

They watched him silently as he stroked a coil of silver that fell from under his hoodie. A feather of bright azure was woven into the strands, and provided a sharp contrast to his lack of color. Raven was unsure to press the topic of his family and though Penny looked about ready to pose a question-- Raven winced at her and shook her head.

"--So... umm," Raven glanced around nervously trying to find a brighter subject to stray into but the only thing on her mind was the school. How could she think of anything else? Raven was too excited to see if all the stories she had heard from her aunt were true. "So are you all excited to be going to Hogwarts?" She inquired sheepishly and began drawing circles into the hem of her skirt with her finger.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt's brows knitted as the red head spoke to Raven about his like of things with attitude. He wasn't sure he understood, so he remained quiet, and thought of what in his playlists were at all similar to her tastes. Mumford and Sons certainly used a lot of acoustic elements, fiddle and guitar and piano, but it was more rocky and stomp worthy. He thought of other bands, but couldn't think what he'd like that was similar to her. Perhaps she would share some of her favourites with him one day; maybe he'd be brave enough to ask! His hands idled on the dreadlock in the quiet of the cabin, and his coughed, a little anxiously, shifting in his seat uncomfortable.

The clacking of the train as it moved ever onwards, the darkening of the sky outside from white-blue to a more azure colour indicated it was no longer morning, but he knew, from Mr Muldoon, it would be dark before they reached the castle they'd be calling home for the next few years. The question about school was an odd one, and Wyatt found it difficult to explain. "I... I don't know how I feel..." He stuffed his hands into his pockets and shifted to sitting tight to the edge of the seat, like he was preparing to leave, but rather, it was to try and stop his restless leg twitching. His mottled ice blue and dusky pink eyes twitched as he started at a mark in the seat beside Raven.

"I guess the letter... and... the Muldoons... they made stuff make sense. But... I don't know. Maybe it's where I'm supposed to be... maybe it isn't." Wyatt found it difficult to say he didn't really, now more than ever, belong anywhere! He had a weird genetic disorder, which made him a target, and a standoffish individuals, and that was only exacerbated by his recent history. He rubbed at his arms, like he was cold, and a shiver did run down his spine. School, especially this one, made sense to him, and at the same time, he couldn't make sense of it all at all!

 

[InkedFox]

Raven smiled sadly at him. She could understand his confusion, but could also sense the melancholy in his somewhat somber tone. "--Even if it isn't. I'm sure we'll see some grand things while we're there." She said to him softly, as if trying to instill a bit of hope.

Penny impatiently bounced in her seat. She had older brothers who were already attending the school and had filled her head full of stories. She was practically beaming at Raven's question. "Am I?" She slapped her thigh.

"My brothers told me all about Hogwarts! Its fantastic! --Grand feasts! --Quidditch! --The Forbidden Forest!" She bellowed the last part in a mock spooky tone. "It's going to be a blast! --Just you see!" The red head patted the empty space near her as a friendly gesture.

"Your brothers go to Hogwarts?" Raven chimed in with great interest in her eyes. "What's it like? My auntie told me its in a great big castle, and the school sorts people into houses. --She said she was a Grffyndor. --Whatever that means." She let out a small chuckle.

"Oh yes! My eldest brother is the prefect of Hufflepuff, and my middle brother is in Ravenclaw. Cheeky fellow, that one--" Penny clasped her hands together in excitement and began regaling the two with stories her own brothers had passed to her about holidays at Hogwarts, and the difference between the houses. It made the train ride pass a lot faster, and before long, the sun bled from the sky; leaving the engine to chug onward under starlight.

"Penny... is that it?" Raven called over to Penny who was in mid tale about how her brothers had tried to sneak into the off limits area of the library. The copper haired girl turned and peered out the window, spotting a grand silhouette growing larger in the distance.

"We're here!" Penny beamed and nearly jumped out of her seat. For the rest of the ride they stayed with their noses glued to the window, watching the castle draw nearer. It lay across a large lake that reflected the twinkling stars above. Apparently they'd ferry the rest of the way over. Regardless, the girls where filled with a deep sense of wonder and enthrallment, and hurriedly collected the things from within the cabin as the train slowly rolled to a halt in the station.

"Com'on Wyatt!" Penny chimed, and patted the boy's leg as she slid out with her carry-ons in hand.

"Stick with us, okay?" Raven said to him sweetly and tugged the sleeve of his hoodie as she followed her friend out.

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt simply sat back and listened to the tales, the giggled stories, and listened with interest in regards to the forbidden forest. He had learnt a little about the houses from his new parents, and the interesting fact he could stay in the school over the holidays held great appeal; he'd never felt the room in their house was his. He exited only once when a message came through to get into their school garb, where he checked on his melanistic barn owl. He still needed to come up with a name.

When he returned, his hoodie still on under the robes, he settled himself, and smirked a little, watching the girls press themselves up against the window. He was awed, looking up at the twinkling lights of the vast castle. They looked almost comical, like the chocolate frog he had stored into his small suitcase of belongings, splattered against the side of the box. He kept the observation to himself, feeling the train slowing, its lack of momentum making his stomach drop, and lurch. He must have paled, or as much as he could, considering. His mottled eyes stared down at his clenched fists as Penny shimmied past him, squealing his name in excitement, and then Raven, taking his sleeve carefully, asking him to stick with them. He looked to the window once more, swallowing hard. He slowly nodded.

"For now." He murmured, knowing she wouldn't be placed in the same house as him, if the story of the Boltsets were to be believed. He stood, allowing her hand to remain on his sleeve, tugging him along to the exit. He used his other hand to raise the hood over his pure white head of dreadlocks. He looked back over his shoulder, wondering if his owl was going to be ok. He figured he would be, this place seemed to know that owls were important. Wyatt just didn't like the idea of leaving him behind.

Stepping down from the train carefully, he admired the station, its quaint little gas lamps, with floating flames, the ivy growing across the brick work. He smiled at the small piece of nature that that had snuck into this industrial place. The hollering giant at the end of the platform had him dragged further into their world, Raven keeping hold of him tight. "Where are we going, Raven?"

 

[InkedFox]

"Where are we going, Raven?" his quiet tone broke her from her excitement. She hadn't even noticed her fingers still curled onto his heavy wrist. Though Raven was still too excited to have a mind to let him go.

"Ummmm---!" She mulled it over and surveyed the platform, tossing her curls wildly as she glanced back and fourth; taking in the sights of the quaint train station, and its rustic fixtures, and the view of the lake and the castle looming over it in the distance. It was all so enthralling and she couldn't wait to step foot into the castle-- a living piece of history!

"There!" She nearly let out a small hop as she found Penny waving her arms and jumping up and down to draw their attention over the surge of students heading for the dock ways. "Com'n! Penny knows!" Raven chimed happily and scurried towards her friend with Wyatt in tow.

"That's the groundskeeper! He says we have to ferry over!" Penny chirped and pointed very conspicuously at a rather large and very bearded fellow. He was ushering students into small boats that seemed to be drifting towards the docks of their own accord. Students filed in two or three at a time, and Penny and Raven were more then a little insistent that Wyatt join them and practically tugged him into the center seat of the boat.

It was almost comical how the two lithe young girls struggled to push the boat along; once again, highly insistent that they could do the majority of rowing. Luckily, the boat was under its own enchantment, and languidly drifted towards the silhouette of the castle in the distance with out any help. Penny practically fidgeted the entire ride over, and Raven began to cling to the sides in fear that Penny's restlessness would tip them.

Slowly, as they made their way to the castle keep, the lights of lanterns glowed like ghostly beacons; signalling how close the Hogwarts docks were, and before long, a figure could been seen standing at the end of the docks, near the entrance to the school itself. As they drew closer, one could make out the figure's clothing. A deep blue robe, and a pointed hat. A woman with sharp features and simple spectacles waited to greet them as their boats filed into the docks; allowing students to disembark.

"Hello, and welcome students-- I am Professor Hagraven, the Deputy Headmistress. I understand you've all had a long and tiring trip. We'd like to properly welcome you to our school, and after the sorting ceremony you all will be allowed to retire to your dormitories." Her tone was level, though it still encompassed a welcoming tone. She turned to gesture up the stairs and through the double doors, which were beginning to swing open; allowing candlelight from the inside to come pouring out like some radiant beacon. "Step lively now-- we mustn't keep your fellow classmates waiting!"

 

[Malhyanth]

Wyatt felt so confused as he was dragged this way and that, his mind spinning from all the twists and turns they took. The boats had him scuffling backwards, however; he was not at all keen on this idea at all!!! Raven tugged, and Penny pushed, and soon he was sat frozen within the centre of the boat, his mottled eyes wide as he stared at the girl, an almost snarl on his face which intensified every time they moved; his hands were white knuckled as they gripped the seat upon which he sat. The girls were so excited they didn't seem to notice his discomfort about the water and the swaying boat.

The dock couldn't come fast enough, and Wyatt scrabbled out, leaning upon his knees as he rested from his heightened fear of the water and little boats. He shrugged off the hand that tried to reassure him with a run to the back with a growl. He stood by himself, and listened to the words the teacher ahead was saying. He could hear that Arryn boy and his cronies mocking him, for seeming to be scared of the boats. His mottled eyes, like hard gems, pierced across the space at the three boys, and his lip lifted again, to reveal slightly sharp teeth; the boys backed off, finding the expression somewhat disconcerting. No normal boy snarled like that! When the crowd started to surge forward, Wyatt kept his head down, the hood still up over his head, to stop him glowing like a beacon; even the smallest of light lit him up his skin and hair was so pale. He knew he was going to have to lower the hood soon, but he really didn't want to.

They got to the doors, and the teacher turned. "We are now going to enter the Great Hall. Line up in pairs; we walk to the front, and then we get you sorted, so we can get this evening on!" Wyatt felt his arm taken up again, and he turned his face away, not looking at which of the two girls that had taken him under their wings it was. Was it because he was tall, that they sought him? Did he feel like protection? If they knew the truth about him, maybe they wouldn't cling so tightly. He kept his head down, only seeing the skirt, cloak, and right foot. He scrunched up his nose in a grumble, and felt himself tugged as the lines started moving. The rows and rows of tables that were on each side stared at the youngsters as they entered. Oh great!! This was going to be done in front of all these people? He knew the Sorting Ceremony was an important one, but still, this was ridiculous! Again, a low growl came from within his chest.

They bunched at the front, all now holding a flame of fear. Whichever of the girls it was that held his arm did so so tightly, he could barely feel his fingers. He flexed them, and tried to get her to release her grip a little. The Sorting Hat, a tatty thing, more so than even previous stories had told, was set upon a stool at the front, on the platform upon which the teachers sat. Wyatt felt his stomach fall, flop and twist. He didn't know what it was going to say, he wasn't even sure where he wanted to go. But he had a feeling...

"Welcome, students, to the first night of a new year at Hogwarts school!" This time, the elderly lady that spoke looked almost feline; her voice a soothing, warm Scottish accent. Her square rimmed glasses glinted. She seemed extremely friendly and warm, and Wyatt couldn't help but watch her as she stood at the podium beside the Hat. She began to unroll a sheet of parchment with practiced ease, like this had always been her task, for as long as people could remember within the school. She looked at the new students pointedly. "When I call your name, you will approach the stool, and the Sorting Hat will be placed upon your head, it will sort you, and you will join the table of your fellow House." Around Wyatt, murmurs went up, nervous, excited, scared. What House would they be Sorted into for the rest of their lives? Wyatt gulped a little, still wondering if he really belonged here.

"So let us begin!! Aramaya, Hettie." A tiny girl stepped up, all sharp features and wispy brown hair. She sat upon the stool, the Hat placed upon her head. It seemed to wiggle about, and contemplate her, before calling out "RAVENCLAW". Wyatt didn't like the way this was going... His nerves were clawing at his stomach, making him want to vomit.

"Arranson, Sean." A freckled boy with a shock of black hair stepped forward, and sat upon the stool. The Hat took no time at all before it shouted out "GRYFFINDOR".

"Boltset, Wyatt." A murmur went up from the Slytherin side, mostly, but purebloods across the Hall all murmured his name, looking to see which child stepped forward. Wyatt stepped up. More murmurs, noting on his size, and the fact he had a hood over his head. The headmistress pointed at him. "Hood, please dear." Wyatt looked at her with a little distress, before raising his hands, and lowering the hood, revealing his icy white appearance. Even the Headmistress seemed shocked, at least for a brief moment, at the scars on his face, and his pale appearance. He turned, to another wave of sound hitting him like a brick wall. He sat with his head down, as the Hat sat upon his head.

"My my..." It's cold voice sent a shiver down Wyatt's spine as the voice seemed to fill his head. "We've not had one of YOU in a long time. What's this? Confusion and deceit follow you everywhere don't they Boltset. You are quite the deceiver..." The Hat seemed to mull over Wyatt. It chuckled as it explored his memories and his experiences, gauging the boy on his merits. "A tough choice. Do you follow in the footsteps of your parents, or could you go elsewhere and prove that YOUR kind are a boon in any House... hmmmmmm..." Wyatt thought of his companions, knowing they weren't at all like him; they would be put into the cheerful, and the brace Houses. The Hat listened in to his thoughts, and agreed; Wyatt wasn't like other children. "I think you're right, last of the Boltsets. Better oblige the past... better be... SLYTHERIN!"

A roar went up from the green and silver bannered table. Clearly they knew his heritage, probably better than even Wyatt did. With the Hat removed from his head, he stood, and caught her eye, the raven gaze. He knew she was too gentle a spirit to join him. He turned his head, aware he was about to lose the first friend he'd ever made. He stepped down from the platform, and headed towards the green table, sitting a little apart from the howling kids, aware that they wanted to congratulate him, but that everything was a little overwhelming. He pulled up his hood once again. He listened out for her name.