Coming from the station, William approached Platforms 9 and 10. He had done a pretty good job not harming himself in some manner. As he got closer to the brick barrier between the signs 9 and 10, he began to pick up speed. Normally, no Muggles would pay attention, and luckily for him, they didn't. As usual, the third year closed his eyes and when he opened them, Platform 9 3/4 lied in front of him. Smiling, he pushed his trolley and continued on.

Here he was. Time to go to the other side. Zeke couldn't believe he actually expected to be crossing this platform with a friend or someone. Who was he kidding? He couldn't possibly see anyone who'd accompany him. Go back to who you were Zeke, love the loneliness and embrace the sadness. You're not meant to be a friend to anyone, you're not worthy. Pushing people away...it's what you do best. Don't try to change anymore and just be who you were before. You survived.

Even though you did make a friend, they aren't here. You were wrong, you should've pushed them away like you did to everyone else. All those people you met...Oakey, Gwen, Evie...don't even expect at all.

Taking a deep breathe, Zeke closed his eyes and concentrated. No one loves you Zeke. You were born unloved and you will stay that way. Don't even try to change it. Instead, just continue building that stone wall surrounding your heart. Okay? Now enough of that. GO!

Opening his eyes, he pushed over his trolley between the platforms 9 and 10 and began to walk in a fast pace, crossing over to the other side.

Finally!!! Emmanuelle had found what she assumed was the entrance to the platform after following some people that seemed like fellow students. Only now she was in disbelief over the way one used said entrance. WALKING THROUGH AN ENCHANTED WALL. "Seriously, only ghosts should do this!" Everybody even muggles knew that! She spent a few more minutes in shock over the entrance before taking a deep breath. She pushed her cart of trunks towards the wall at her usual pace until she was through to the other side.

So this was the wall, eh? The famous platform of nine and three quarters...

Milton stared at it with a cocked eyebrow. He wasn't one to question magical things, but that wall looked pretty solid. And he wasn't sure he wanted to run into it without seeing someone else do it first.

But how was he supposed to tell wizards apart from muggles? There were tons of people swarming around to catch the morning trains. Milton pursed his lips and stood casually near the entrance to the platform, just waiting for someone to show up and go through the wall first.

While he waited, he watched the muggles walk by. They were all so... muggle ish. With their suitcases and briefcases and the technology stuff they had in their ears. Ugh. Muggles. Someone magical, please reveal yourself.

She was extremely excited. Her wand was safely tucked into its holster, and her ticket for the train - what would help her get to the ruddy platform was in her pocket. Now, what had India said she had to do.

Run at the wall. Right. She wasn’t going to do that not without seeing someone else do it first.

She stared at the expanse of wall. She blinked when she spotted a young boy just walk through the wall. Of course he closed his eyes - what if the door was closed. Would she not be able to get to school? If that happened what would she do go back to Australia like a - a failure?

She gulped.

“I am not running through that” she whispered as she glanced around for someone else to go with - someone to talk to. She was, nervous to say the least. And what if some muggle saw her - would they be able to get in? Would it break the statute of secrecy and she’d be forced to grow up in Azkaban like - like a vile and villainous witch?

She was petrified.

It was that time of the year again! Only this time, Delilah was actually excited to be going to Hogwarts. She'd met a few people over the summer, and she really hoped that they liked her enough the first time they met for them to want to talk to her once they were at School, too.

Her dad was trailing behind her with her trunk as the 15 year old ran off towards the platform, waiting impatiently at the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 until her dad caught up. "Hurry up Daaaaaaaad. I'm going to miss the train!"

Delilah didn't hear her dad's reassurance that she wasn't going to; after all, it was only half past 10. There was still half an hour.

He couldn't help but smile at his little girl's enthusiasm to get on the train. It was a pleasant change to the year before, when she'd been very reluctant at the last minute in her decision. Pushing the trolley towards the barrier, Patrick grinned at his daughter. "Ready, then?" He glanced either way to make sure there weren't any curious-looking muggles, before making his way straight towards the barrier.

Delilah nodded at her dad's question enthusiastically, twirling around and grinning at her Superman socks. She still didn't understand the whole superhero thing properly. She liked her socks though. As her dad made his way towards the barrier, the small brunette broke into a run, straight through the barrier and onto the Platform.

As though summoned by Milton's silent wish, Cornelius Rune appeared on the scene with the usual bounce to his step, making his way to the wall in a casual stride. Duffel bag flung over his shoulder and trunk wheeling behind him, he was just positioning himself to start towards the wall when he thought it best to make sure no Muggles were aware of what he was doing. It was in this quick glance to either side that he caught sight of Milton casually waiting near the platform, glancing around so naturally that he wouldn't have pinned him for Hogwarts had it not been for the bags he was sporting and his proximity to the entrance. And the observation of Muggles, that was generally a sign.

Flashing his natural smile, Cornelius acknowledged him with a brief wave over his duffel bag, using the few fingers not entangled in the strap as he gestured to the wall barrier with a brief nod of his head. "It's best if you just take it at a run," he called lightly, flashing yet another smile as he took in the unknown person's appearance and realized he was obviously much older than a first year. He was an exchange student! Must've been; just like he had been last year. "You must be new." He paused, feeling a little rude for not introducing himself yet, and moved his duffel bag on top of his trunk so he could extend a hand across the distance between them. "I'm Cornelius."

Quote:

Originally Posted by McFeisty

She was extremely excited. Her wand was safely tucked into its holster, and her ticket for the train - what would help her get to the ruddy platform was in her pocket. Now, what had India said she had to do.

Run at the wall. Right. She wasn’t going to do that not without seeing someone else do it first.

She stared at the expanse of wall. She blinked when she spotted a young boy just walk through the wall. Of course he closed his eyes - what if the door was closed. Would she not be able to get to school? If that happened what would she do go back to Australia like a - a failure?

She gulped.

“I am not running through that” she whispered as she glanced around for someone else to go with - someone to talk to. She was, nervous to say the least. And what if some muggle saw her - would they be able to get in? Would it break the statute of secrecy and she’d be forced to grow up in Azkaban like - like a vile and villainous witch?

She was petrified.

Reaching the correct platform, or rather the space between the 9 and 10 platforms that muggles dealt with, Gideon was his usual self. Appearing calm and collected and not as if he was weird to any of the non-magical folk that were around...not that they usually noticed much. He walked for a bit, pushing his belongings along in front of him and careful as he weaved among the passing crowds.

"Hey...you okay?" Gideon asked seeing a young girl when any of the people block his view of the wall had separated to free the space in front of him. She seemed quite afraid near the wall in question as if wondering what to do and then looking around randomly as if looking for something. Pausing his trolley, he slowly stepped closer, not wanting to scare her. The boy leaning at little closer to her ear to whisper since he didn't want to say it too loud. "First time trying to get to the Express?"

She got to the wall and wasted no time. She got a good running start and ran through the wall to the platform at a good running pace. She stopped on the other side to get her breath.

Jory waited for the crash but obviously it never came. He opened his eyes and looked around . He'd made it. The Platform was noisy with babble of students and parents and various animal sounds.

The boy grinned to himself. How he was glad to be back!

Pulling his trolley to a stop, the Ravenclaw lad fished his pockets for his wristwatch, then slipped it on and checked the time. He was a little early, and pondered if he should grab something to eat at the station or just wait until he gets on board the train. He shifted around and eyed the snack bar-- it was crowded and lines were long-ish, the last thing he wanted was to get stuck without an assurance of actually getting food then run late for the train. He turned back around just to see several witches and wizards still waiting their turn to enter the wall.

Lines... they're everywere. Sigh.

Mia blinked when the curly haired boy walked up t her and then asked if she was okay. She hoped he wasn’t a confused muggle - and then, he asked if it was her first time. That answered that question.

“Y-yeah I’m fine....it is my first time” she admitted sheepishly her blond hair bouncing around her shoulders as she spoke. She was wiggling like a little seven month old puppy dog. She was nervous - and that was clearly written all over her face.

“Does it hurt?” She asked glancing over to the wall. She always thought things like that would close on here and she’d be stuck with her foot on one side and the rest of her on the other like some kind of living statue. "I'm Amelia" she smiled up at him. This guy was like a giant to her really she was just this little thing and he was BIG compared to her. Or was it old?

Quote:

Originally Posted by McFeisty

Mia blinked when the curly haired boy walked up t her and then asked if she was okay. She hoped he wasn’t a confused muggle - and then, he asked if it was her first time. That answered that question.

“Y-yeah I’m fine....it is my first time” she admitted sheepishly her blond hair bouncing around her shoulders as she spoke. She was wiggling like a little seven month old puppy dog. She was nervous - and that was clearly written all over her face.

“Does it hurt?” She asked glancing over to the wall. She always thought things like that would close on here and she’d be stuck with her foot on one side and the rest of her on the other like some kind of living statue. "I'm Amelia" she smiled up at him. This guy was like a giant to her really she was just this little thing and he was BIG compared to her. Or was it old?

Gideon nodded as she confirmed his thought about this being her first time through the magical barrier. At least she wasn't a lost muggle child who returned his inquiry with a stare that silently asked if he was a crazy person that she should ignore and escape as fast as she could to the safety of a familair face. That would have been an awkward way to start the day and journey to school.

"Nae...not at all," he assured her with a shake of his head. Which the worry was understandable seeing as it appeared as if you had to run INTO a solid stone wall to get where you needed to go, "Nice to meet ye Amelia, I'm Gideon." Introductions complete...now to help.

"Ye just have to get past the image of a wall and pretend yer just going through a door way," The Gryffindor explained trying to think of the best way to make it make sense."Sometimes it is easier the first time to run and just not stop until yer through the other side." Even closing one's eyes was helpful at least others thought so seeing as he had witnessed a few examples of it over the year. "Would ye want to do it with me?"

Feeling just a little deflated after having talked with Selina, but not because they had argued, Kurumi decided that she ought to head to the platform seeing as more and more students were arriving and she couldn't put off prefecting duties anymore. Besides, chances were there would be another student or two that would be a little hesitant about getting onto the platform like Lewis had been last term and she wanted to make sure that she was there to help. It had worked in her favor when it came to the Hufflepuff - even if things were complicated.

So, topic of her mother being forced on the back burner, Kurumi walked towards the wall and failed to noticed that her shoelaces were coming undone. And then it happened, Kurumi's right foot stepped on her left shoelace and she lunged forward. She probably would have fallen right on her face had it not been for someone's trolley being in just the right place at the right time.

"S-S-S-Sorry!" she squeaked, bowing in apology. "Are you alri--- Vickers! Hey!"

Mia blinked - heart hammering in her chest as she thought about what Gideon had told her. Think of it as a doorway - pfft it was a wall, a GIGANTIC brick wall and that was not so endearing to her.

Gulp.

“A d-door? Really...That s-sound simple” she smiled. It looked forced. It was, partly. When she heard his offer she immediately glanced up at the taller boy. “Th-that would be nice. I’m not good with doorways they always close on me” she admitted sheepishly. She was afraid she’d get stuck in the door - whenever she went through doorways with more than just herself she was fine. Alone - nope she was squished like a little bug.

“Thanks” she smiled as she turned to get ready to go through the door. Pushing her trolly a little bit further so it was almost against the wall. Not a lick more or Muggles would notice the disappearing metal framing of the trolly.

As Milton was judging and mentally scrutinizing all the muggles that passed by, he got lost in his train of thought and hardly noticed a boy about his age approach the same wall. But when he heard a voice, his head turned to look at him.

Take it at a run..? Pfffff. How dare this guy assume Milton didn't know how to run into a wall! Even if he didn't. Milton cocked an eyebrow at him. He actually didn't know what to say to that. He was tempted to just insult him for no apparent reason besides the fact that he was just in a horrible mood, but he decided against it for one reason or another.

Ah, yes. One thing Milton hated about being new was that everyone could tell. Milton nodded with a dull look on his face. "How'd you guess?" Milton asked with a small snort. He hated it. Ugh.

And since the guy hadn't done anything yet that was too suspicious, Milton shook the fellow's hand. He would trust him for now. "Milton Shacklebolt."

Vickers was eying that snack bar and thinking maybe he can risk it when he felt his trolley jerk suddenly to the side. His head snapped back just to see the familiar brunette gather herself and started apologizing "H-Hey Kurumi " he greeted smiling, momentarily forgetting about food. "Oh I'm ok-- are you ok?" he replied, always concerned for the Gryffindor Prefect.

He inched his trolley back towards the direction of the wall, the line still crawling its way along. "So how was your summer Kurumi?" he asked smiling brightly.

"I'm fine," she nodded rather enthusiastically, checking her shoes and now noticing that her shoelace was untied. She quickly bent down to tie it, pushing a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, and stood promptly back up. "Shoelaces...always coming untied." You know, just in case he wanted to know why she had suddenly bent down in front of him.

Kurumi froze, her brown eyes on Vickers for a moment too long before her gaze was back on the ground. "Summer...was...alright," she said, telling her third lie of the day. "What about you? I take it from your smile that summer was good?"

"Oh, yes thats right." he nodded in agreement as he saw her tie her her Chucks back up, glancing momentarily at his Top-Siders. He didnt have to worry about laces on those, just slip 'em on and go. Efficient, thats how he likes 'em.

He gazed into her brown eyes as he responded happily "Yeah, summer was great! I went back home with my Uncle. I didnt think Grandma could hug that tightly but she nearly cracked my ribs I swear." he chuckled "I guess she really missed me, kept fussing over how I've grown and kept asking if I was being fed enough at school... " he babbled then slowed down. Her eyes. It just hit him. They were brown, not her usual violet. He raised his hand and gestured towards them "Are you... trying out something with new your eyes?" he asked, wondering if it was a fad.

It was time for her to cross the barrier, and she felt very excited. She had only done this twice already, to board the train. Now would be her third look at the train that would take her to Hogwarts, and away from her family. Of course she felt upset to be leaving them, but just seeing the familiar wall made her relax. She handed her things to her father to take through, and she ran through by herself and crossed through the barrier.

Shoe conversation aside, Kurumi pulled down the sleeves of her sweater a bit. She forgot how cool London could be despite the summer weather. It wasn't as humid as she was used to back in Japan, but the London summer had its own charm about it. She wished that she had spent more time here during the summer, not this past one exactly, but just in general. Maybe this coming summer...depending on things...

Kurumi's face brightened a bit as she listened to Vickers talk about his summer. It was always nice to hear her friends had had good summers. Made her temporarily forget just how awful her's had been. Although awful didn't even begin to cover it. Her smile instantly faded when he mentioned her eyes and she couldn't bring herself to lie to him a second time. "They just....changed...after..." she swallowed hard. Merlin, she did not want this to turn into another let's feel bad for Kurumi situation because she was so tired of hearing people tell her how sorry they were. It was selfish of her to deny people their right to feel bad for her, but she just couldn't handle it anymore. "....after....my mother passed away."

Vickers was a good friend, he had the right to know.

He gave a soft chuckle as the new student asked how he could've guessed that he was new. Though he sensed that it was a rhetorical question, he couldn't help but reply. "I was new last year," Cornelius admitted with a weak smile, allowing himself to recall all the memories he had of his first year at Hogwarts as a fifth year. Trying to figure everything out when everyone else his age already seemed to get it. It was annoying, and a little embarrassing, but he'd figured it out eventually. "It took me about twenty minutes out here," he gestured to the wall, "I had no idea how to get in until some eleven year old and his parents disappeared into it." He gave a bit of an embarrassed smile before it transformed into another one of his grins.

Cornelius gave a brief nod of acknowledgement as Milton introduced himself, interested in the fact that he had met a new student around his age. "What year are you going into?" he wondered, readjusting the duffel bag behind his back.

'Gotta get back to Hogwarts,' grinned Daisy, checking her trunk and cat were securely tied onto the trolley which she would be pushing through the wall, 'gotta get back to school.' She was muttering under her breath, half singing the song that she didn't even knew existed. It was probably out of excitement that Daisy was being like that; her fourth year at Hogwarts. The previous three, especially the last one, had gone so quickly and Daisy knew she'd be in fifth year before long, which meant prefects, OWLs and feeling a lot older. It was then that Daisy realised that she was now in the middle of the school.

First years scattered the platform, looking around and saying their last goodbyes. Daisy's had done their typical thing of dropping her off, being too busy to come to the platform, but that didn't bother her; she had friends around, surely. But they were probably on the other side. Daisy gripped her trolley, grinning as she looked at the wall and ran towards it.
'See you in July, Muggle world...'

His smile faded immediately, to be replaced by a dumbfounded look. Was she serious? Does she have any idea that losing a parent was no joking matter? Studying her face for a moment the Ravenclaw realized Kurumi was telling the truth. "I'm sorry." he said genuinely, although that felt totally feeble. What else do you say to someone who was orphaned? "Well... at least she's in a much better place now right?"he added, giving her a small sympathetic smile. At least thats what he keeps telling himself on the days when he missed his mother sorely.

He didnt know what Kurumi's mother died of, and although his Ravenclaw side is naturally curious about it, he had a better sense of leaving that subject be. He figured Kurumi would tell him when she's ready to be more open about it. "How are you holding up?"