Gerrard Rayne: ::With a backpack over one shoulder and his other hand holding his mothers as he walks a young boy somewhat thin and with short buzzed chestnut hair arrives on the platform for the train departing to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, dressed in summer clothing which consists of a neat navy blue button down shirt and a pair of blue jeans which have a picture of a dragon sewn into the left front leg he makes his way to the nearest set of steps that lead into the train and turns to give each of them a big hug, at closer inspection the boys eyes are slightly red and dark circles run under both of them as though he hasn't gotten much sleep lately but after saying a short goodbye to both of his parents he takes a cage which his father hands him which holds a well groomed snow owl and takes the three steps up into the train::
Charisse Banning: ::A small, thin, 11 year old girl stands on platform 9 3/4, all but surrounded by various blonde and black greasy haired students of all ages who appear to all be Slytherin material, her cousin Draco Malfoy among the mix. She is dressed in a black knee length skirt with a dark red t-shirt, her straight auburn hair hanging straight down her back and she smiles to a few of them, looking almost like the exact opposite of those standing with her and she leans down to pick up the handle of her trunk and the cage which holds Opa, her Northern Spotted Owl which her parents brought her all the way from America and starts toward the train, her gaze falling upon the boy standing on the steps::
Zarek Yeran: ::A boy of medium height with dark brownish hair with blondish highlights hugs a young witch quickly, and steps onto the platform:: Where to go..where to go. ::Looking around, he smiles a little, seeing other people with trunks and various animals, he comes to stand near a group of them. Nodding at a boy with a snow owl, standing on the steps, he suddenly wishes he had brought his own:: Nice owl you have there, I have one almost just like her at home.
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns back for a moment from where he was standing on the stairs to get up into he train almost wanting to go back to his parents but he jumps slightly as the boy standing behind him speaks:: Oh! Hi... thanks he's a really good friend...::Forces a small smile and looks back out over the platform, spotting the girl near the group of Slytherins but not wanting to hold up the line turns and proceeds onto the train and to the left now working on finding an empty spot::
Charisse Banning: ::All but leads the group to the train, pulling her trunk and Owl cage up a set of stairs near the front of the train and peeks in a few until she finds an empty one and stows her trunk and owl cage, promising Opa that she can come out later before sitting down, three of the girls she had been talking to following her into the cabin along with Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle::
Zarek Yeran: ::Hops onto the train after the boy with the owl and searches for an empty compartment. Not finding one, he starts back down the train, looking for anywhere that he might be able to sit, and be out of the way, or unnoticed::
Charisse Banning: ::Sits on the edge of the compartment toward the door, separated from the group as she doesn't much feel like talking about her father's most recent exploits and competing with the others::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Peers around at each cabin wondering if he'd simply be better off finding a place at the back of the train but continues up towards the front of the train and passes the cabin with the familiar group of Slytherins bantering back and forth to one another, offering a small smile should any of them happen to look and trying to look as confident and brave as any eleven year old can after this past summer::
Charisse Banning: ::Looks up at the boy she had seen earlier stands in the compartment doorway and offers him a warm smile, large amber eyes glittering a bit as she speaks softly to him:: You can sit in here if you'd like..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Stops dead in his tracks for a second wondering for a second if he should turn around and take the chance that the voice had been talking to someone else but with a slightly heavy breath he turns and realizes that she was indeed talking to him and though he stumbles over most of his thoughts he stops and takes a slow breath before offering a small smile and speaking in a low voice:: W-well thank you... t-there wouldn't happen to be two seats free?
Zarek Yeran: ::Passes the boy with the owl, smiling at him again, quickly glancing around the compartment he sits in, deciding that he is probably a popular boy with lots of friends. Chuckling slightly, inaudibly, he continues
Charisse Banning: ::Glances across the compartment at the empty seat there and the other at her side and smiles again, nodding with a soft chuckle:: Yes... barely, but yes..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Smiles slightly and watches her for a moment before turning to look down the corridor struggling with the boys name for a moment before remembering:: Zarek! ::Raises and hand and waves to him and steps back for a moment so theres room to get into the compartment, turning his head to the girl once again:: I h-hope you don't mind?
Charisse Banning: ::Chuckles softly and shakes her head, looking rather relieved to have some company other than those in the compartment and smiles again:: Not at all.
Zarek Yeran: ::Looks a bit startled at the boy calling his name, but smiles at the empty seat and settles himself into the compartment. Smiling across at the girl, he bows his head slightly:: I'm Zarek, Zarek Yeran. ::Looks about the rest of the compartment nervously, noting all the Greasy haired, Slytherin types hanging about::
Charisse Banning: ::Bows her head slightly, offering Zarek a warm smile:: I'm Charisse Banning... This is my cousin, Draco Malfoy, his friends Crabbe and Goyle, Milicent Bullstrode, Pansy Parkenson, and Ilana Chakalov
Gerrard Rayne: ::Glances into the compartment a bit nervously at first seeing as how the only seat left is next to the girl who invited them but as not to be rude he lets his backpack slide away from his shoulder and stows Urza on one of the racks above the seats and settles in between Charisse and Milicent though he edges away from Milicent a little bit as she makes him feel a little uneasy::
Zarek Yeran: ::Smiles at Charisse, still looking rather nervous about being surrounded by Slytherins:: Its nice to meet you..
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods to Zarek again:: It is... ::Turns and extends her hand to Gerrard:: It's a pleasure to meet you.... ::Smiles at him for a minute as she waits for his name::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Nods a slight agreement at Zarek's comment though his eyes barely stray from a small handle on the top of his backpack that is barely visible from where it sits on the floor but when they do he steals a few glances at the other kids in the compartment and jumps slightly as she turns towards him but smiles a bit and reaches up a hand to shake hers for a moment:: H-hi... I'm Gerrard Rayne..
Charisse Banning: ::Offers him another smile as she shakes his hand:: You're a first year, I take it? ::But her attention wavers slightly as she sees Malfoy stand, staring down his nose at both Gerrard and Zarek::
Zarek Yeran: ::Glances up at Malfoy, his face set, not showing any emotion. He nods in Malfoys direction:: I'm Zarek ... Draco, wasn't it?
Draco Malfoy: ::Malfoy sneers a minute turning toward Zarek:: Yeran is it? Your parents were dirty Gryffindors weren't they? ::Turns not to Gerrard:: And you... Rayne? Your parents work for the Ministry? Charisse, you're going to have to learn who to socialize with…
Gerrard Rayne: I--Y-yes I am... you? ::Turns his head slowly and lets his hand slide away from hers as he notices that their spot has darkened a little and glances up at Malfoy::
Charisse Banning: ::Smiles and nods to Gerrard for a minute before her smile fades and she stands, narrowing her eyes at Malfoy:: You shut your mouth, Draco Malfoy, or I will tell your mother what happened to her favorite cat...
Draco Malfoy: ::Narrows his eyes at Chari, but stutters all the same:: Y-you wouldn't!
Gerrard Rayne: ::Slinks back into his seat for a moment and places his hands in his lap, staring up at Charisse and Malfoy::
Charisse Banning: I would... and you know I would... ::Half smiles and shakes her head:: Now sit down, Draco...
Zarek Yeran: ::Starts to stand up, before seeing Charisse has the matter in hand. Slinking back into his seat slowly, he unclenches his fist and looks out the window, obviously frustrated with himself::
Draco Malfoy: ::Sputters a few more minutes and then reaches up for his things, motioning for his groupies to follow:: Crabbe, Goyle, come on... Let's get out of here... ::With that the entire compartment empties, leaving only the three of them::
Charisse Banning: ::Rolls her eyes and settles back into her seat, smiling in apologetic embarrassment at each of them:: I'm sorry about him...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shakes his head and smiles a bit relaxing a little more as the room empties:: Not at all...r-reminds me of someone I know...thank you though...
Zarek Yeran: ::Shifts over to the center of the compartment, directly in front of Charisse and Gerrard, shrugging lightly:: Its alright, I’m used to that sort of thing..
Charisse Banning: ::Chuckles softly and nods, flipping her hair over her shoulder and shrugs a bit:: Still, he has no right to talk to any of you that way... Luckily he's scared to death of his mother... ::Giggles softly::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Tries to restrain a small laugh and leans back against the seat looking at Charisse curiously for a moment:: Apparently so... a-are you both first years too?
Charisse Banning: ::Nods slowly, a few stray strands of hair falling into her face before she brushes the back, tucking them behind an ear:: I am...
Zarek Yeran: ::Nods a bit, looking from Gerrard to Charisse, then out the window, frowning just slightly:: I am too..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shrugs slightly and smiles a bit more:: Well i feel a little better..
Charisse Banning: ::Studies the two for a moment, smiling:: What houses do you want to be in?
Zarek Yeran: ::Shrugs a bit, looking at Charisse for a moment:: Honestly, I want to be in Gryffindor. I've heard great things about it..
Gerrard Rayne: I... well I don't know really... ::Shrugs slightly and shakes his head:: I suppose Gryffindor o-or Ravenclaw
Charisse Banning: ::Nods a bit, considering for a moment before offering them another small smile, but ultimately can't think of a thing to say::
Zarek Yeran: ::Looks at Charisse in wonder, smiling slightly:: How about you? ::Glances back out the window as the scene shifts again, now revealing mountains and beautiful green hills::
Charisse Banning: Slytherin... ::Smiles a bit and nods:: My entire family has been Slytherin since the school opened...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns towards the window and frowns slightly at the mention of her wanting to be Slytherin but forces a smile and looks back, nodding slowly:: I'm sure you'd do well with them... seems like you have a lot of friends there already
Charisse Banning: ::Considers for a minute before shaking her head slowly:: I have lots of family and family friends... I don't really like any of them...
Gerrard Rayne: ::Frowns a bit:: How come?
Charisse Banning: ::Shrugs a bit:: They're all so self centered... and mean... ::Shakes her head:: And dirty..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and shrugs a bit:: Fair point... that Draco didn't seem too friendly..
Zarek Yeran: ::Chuckles, grinning at Charisse slightly:: I don’t know, you seem like you'd make a good Gryffindor or something. Besides, your too pretty to be a Slytherin..::At this, he turns towards the window, blushing furious and feeling like an idiot::
Charisse Banning: ::Blinks, a little color rising in her cheeks:: Well, thank you, I suppose... but I will be a Slytherin..
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles softly and smiles a bit, pulling his legs up onto the seat to sit cross legged:: Well...we'll all find out in a few minutes, we're gonna be there anytime now
Charisse Banning: ::Squeaks softly and leaps up, staring out the window:: We should change then! ::Pulls her Hogwarts uniform and robes from her trunk and scurries off the change, returning a few minutes later::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Laughs softly and nods a bit watching her scurry away before leaning down and opening his backpack and removing his nicely folded school clothes and shoes after making sure he has everything he gets up and makes his way to change, returning within a few minutes with a bundle of clothes in his arms which he begins to fold and put away in his backpack::
Zarek Yeran: ::Sits in the same spot he was in when they left, having changed quickly, after making sure all the shutters were closed and the doors were shut::
Charisse Banning: ::Slips the close she was wearing before nearly into her trunk and settles nervously into her seat, bouncing a little as she feels the train slow::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Zips up his backpack and settles back into his seat just in time to see the rush of students back and forth in the hallways going to get changed, fiddles with the front of his robes for a second until he gets them straight and peers out the window just as the lake comes into view::
Charisse Banning: ::Leaps up as soon as the train stops and waves goodbyes to both Zarek and Gerrard, pulls her trunk and Opa's cage from the luggage racks and slips out of the compartment, rejoining Malfoy::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Raises a hand to wave a quick goodbye but remains in his seat for a couple moments and just stares out the window but at last with a slow breath he stands up and slips his backpack over his shoulder and removes Urza's cage from : one of the upper racks, turning to Zarek:: Well...it was nice meeting you...i'll see you inside..::Offers a small smile and slips into the flood of students leaving the train and soon finds himself on the platform amidst students of all different ages::
Zarek Yeran: ::Nods at Gerrard and dragging his trunk along, makes his way off the train and hops down into the middle of all the students, wondering where to go::
Hagrid: ::The thick flood of students parts slowly as a man much larger then normal makes his way onto the platform carrying a large lantern and wearing what looks to be a patchwork cloak and finally coming to a halt at what seems to be the center of the platform he bellows in a voice that can be easily heard over the chatter of the students:: Alrigh' , Firs' Years this way! Follow me now! Come on don't be shy! ::After a couple moments he turns and starts off towards the darker side of the platform and in the direction of the lake a few of the braver first years quickly following him and others that slowly gather their courage break away from the crowd and follow the groundskeeper::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Turns his head quickly at the loud voice and weaves his way through the crowd until he comes to the edge of it and with one last gulp proceeds across the platform to follow the voice, joined by a few more first years that hustle along nervously::
Zarek Yeran: ::Heads towards the loud voice, having no clue what else to do, he stops near Gerrard, catching his eye and shrugging in response:: Do you know what were doing?
Charisse Banning: ::She and her group of Slytherins turn to follow Hagrid, dragging their trunks behind them::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Shrugs slightly and shakes his head:: No clue...::Stuffs his free hand in his pocket and continues walking after the giant::
Hagrid: ::The giant groundskeeper stops at the edge of the lake where a fleet of small boats able to hold three to four people each are waiting to be boarded and he turns to the ground of first years following him:: Alrigh' then... I'm Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds here at Hogwarts and also the man who's goin' to be takin' yeh across the lake to the school... so fill up the boats but no more then four to each and be sure to keep all hands inside the boats and try not to fall in... poor little feller did tha' last year and it really wasn't a pretty sight, anyways in you go now...c'mon ::Turns away from the group and heads down to a slightly larger boat and climbs in hanging his lantern from a post on the side::
Charisse Banning: ::Stumbles a bit as Malfoy pulls her into a boat with him, Crabbe, and Goyle, after they stack their trunks and cages::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Tosses a wary glance at Zarek as they listen to Hagrid but without a word steps through the group and down the slope into one of the closest boats, taking the first seat, setting his backpack and his cage in front of him::
Hagrid: ::As he sits and surveys the students getting into the boats he points a large finger at Malfoy:: You there be careful now i'll have none of that pullin' an pushin', we all wan't to get to school in one piece and dry..
Zarek Yeran: ::Hops into the boat behind Gerrard, looking confused and a little weary of the lake:: Strange way to start off the year, eh mate?
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles slightly and nods a bit, glancing out over the lake:: Aye.. ::Stares around as the boats begin to fill up only to have his sight disturbed by Pansy Parkinsen and Milicent Bullstrode who climb into the back of the boat, letting out a slight sigh he spots the boat that Charisse was pulled into and smiles a bit before leaning close to speak to Zarek:: Little stranger now...
Zarek Yeran: ::Chuckles, giving a nod of agreement to Gerrard and a look of mock horror with a pretend glance to the back of the boat:: Indeed..
Hagrid: ::Stands up in his boat for a moment and peers around offering a large smile to the group of first years before speaking:: Well thas better now that we're all settled...don't be frightened now them boats are gentle and the ride is smooth, so lets be off! ::And with that he sits down as the boats slowly begin to pull away from shore and with a steady pace head towards the now ominous castle in the distance, though the ride takes no more then a few minutes the looks on most first years would have people thinking they've been out there for hours::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Now ignoring the distasteful company of the two in the back of the boat he stares across the water towards the school feeling more a sense of awe then nervousness, all the descriptions his parents had given him during their short time together at the end of the summer having not really done this school justice::
Charisse Banning: ::Grimaces a bit as Malfoy begins to lay out her father's plan for her and she shakes her head, refusing for now and then with a sudden yelp and nearly jumps out of the boat:; You have to be kidding! Marcus Flint!? No!
Gerrard Rayne: ::Blinks himself back into reality and turns his head over to where the voice had come from and realizing that it was Charisse but even though he's curious he hardly thinks he should be shouting questions across a fleet of boats and simply settles back into his seat::
Charisse Banning: ::Shakes her head furiously:: I don't care if his family is pure blood! ::Shudders at the thought:: Flint... is he insane?
Zarek Yeran: ::Chuckles and looks across at Charisse's boat in curiosity, wondering what Malfoy could have said to cause such a reaction. Shrugging, he turns to face forward, glancing at the water::
Milicent Bulstrode: ::In the back of their boat Milicent and Pansy are chatting away about their plans for this year at the school but after a moment Milicent pipes up loud enough to be overheard:: Oh! I was so dissapointed... they wouldn't let me bring my pet slug...::Sniffles a little:: I miss him.. :: she leans over to Pansy for a minute, speaking just loud enough for those in their boat to hear:: We'll steer the boat that way ::points to the left, away from the castle:: and I'll take Gerrard, and you take Zarek, okay?
Zarek Yeran: ::Nudges Gerrard with his elbow and mutters:: Did you hear that? Steer for the castle, quick
Gerrard Rayne: ::His ears perk up as he hears Milicent's voice a slight shudder running up his spine and he shifts forward a little bit in his seat, both of his hands gliding towards his backpack and Urza's cage::
Draco Malfoy: ::Drapes an arm around Chari's shoulders:: C'mon Charisse... he's great. Quidditch captain, his family has a lot of power... and money... besides... your father's already arranged it.
Gerrard Rayne: ::After a moment of curiosity he glances back at about the middle of the boat and realizes that there are no oars to steer with also realizing to his own embarrassment at being frightened suddenly that the boats must be charmed::
Charisse Banning: Oh really? And how much did he pay for that? I hope he can get his money back! ::Shakes her head in disgust, pushing Malfoy's arm off::
Zarek Yeran: ::Glances back about the same time Gerrard does, feeling quite foolish that he was frightened by the Slytherin girls in the back of his boat::
Milicent Bulstrode and Pansy Parkinson: ::Both girls giggle insanely and stick their arms into the water, attempting to row them away::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Mutters a bit and shakes his head resting his arms back in his lap and as he calms down the ruckus coming from Charisse's boat snags his attentions and he peers over noticing her shove Malfoy's arm away::
Milicent Bulstrode and Pansy Parkinson: ::Upon seeing that the boat isn't moving from its original course, Milicent thinks for a minute:: Maybe if we reach farther... ::And they both do, leaning down until their heads nearly touch the water, and then without warning, and a large splash, the girls topple overboard::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Jumps slightly and bumps into Zarek as he gets splashed with water and turns quickly to see both of the girls waving their arms in the water, and unable to restrain a small laugh he just stares, frowning with a little disappointment as an empty boat from in the back of the group comes up and stops next to them so they can climb in, snapping his fingers he turns to Zarek:: Almost...
Zarek Yeran: ::Laughs openly, shaking his head at the girls as they pull themselves into the empty boat:: Some people just wont learn..
Charisse Banning: ::The four in her boat look over at the splash, Crabbe and Goyle laughing stupidly, Chari stifling a chuckle, and Malfoy simply sneering::
Gerrard Rayne: ::Chuckles and nods slightly turning back just in time to brace himself as the boat glides up against the dock and after the boat stops moving he reaches down to pick up Urza's cage and his backpack and attempting to keep his balance hops out of the boat and stands to wait for Zarek::
Charisse Banning: ::The second her boat pulls up to shore, she takes her trunk and Opa's cage and hurries as far away from Malfoy as she can get::
Zarek Yeran: ::Climbs out of the boat, still chuckling to himself and shaking his head:: That was definitely worth the trip.. I dont think Charisse thought so..she didn't look too happy with Malfoy in that boat with her
