Private RP of MidnightWolve and xxxarcxangelxxx

There it was, what Karen Wolf had been waiting for since the beginning of summer. Hogwarts Express stood right before her gleaming magnificently with crowds of people lugging trunks similar to her own with a large Hogwarts Crest on them. Excitement gripped her stomach as she led her younger brother, Michael to the train. A rush of relief and freedom swept over her, because the next several months she and her brother wouldn't have to deal with their parents . Their parents didn't even bother seeing them off, and they hadn't with Karen since her first year at Hogwarts. When they found out Michael made Gryfindor they shunned him out of their lives as well. They were both considered "blood traitors" now, just because they we in Gryfindor and not Slytherin. Just because they made friends with Half-bloods and Muggleborns, people they thought as scum. They were banned from any family activity which included holidays, in which they gladly spent at Hogwarts, and great events such as the recent Quidditch World Cup. Karen had desperately wanted to go, but her parents refused to allow merely out of pure spite.

"Come on," She said to Michael, blowing a strand of long brown hair out of her eyes. "It's time to find a seat." And with that they headed into the train. It was jammed full of people. Many people were wearing their Hogwarts uniforms, but there was a handful still wearing their casual clothing. Karen noted some of the new faces that would soon be experiencing Hogwarts for their very first time and couldn't help but smile and remember her first time. She remembered how nervous she was approaching the sorting hat, meeting new people. The fear of not fitting in. The adrenaline rush of her first ride on Hogwarts Express. Her brother had just started his first year of Hogwarts last year. He was fairly small for his age. He had dark brown hair, same color as Karen's in fact. He had light chocolate brown eyes. He was all in all a very sweet kid, not a Slytherin type for sure.

Karen watched her brother run up to greet his friends that he hadn't seen all summer. He disappeared into one of the compartments. She remembered how afraid he was to approach these kids only a year ago, and now he was practically friends with all the second years. Karen sighed and took an empty compartment, and looked outside the window. Things were becoming crazy out there. People were running around with their luggage and giving their last goodbyes. The trains whistle sounded and the Hogwarts Express was ready depart.

She sat back in her seat and closed her dark brown eyes for a moment of relaxation. Suddenly the compartment door opened, making her jump. "Oh, sorry Karen!" It was Ginny Weasley, "May I sit in here?" Karen laughed, "Of course you can!" With that Ginny closed the compartment door behind her and settled in the seat across from Karen.

Nikholas stood silently at the platform, staring up the steaming hunk of train with an expression of what he would never admit to be awe. This was not his first year attending a school dedicated to young witches and wizards, but this was his first time riding to school on the Hogwarts Express, being that prior to this year he had been attending Durmstrang. For him, the train was more than a method of transport. It was a clear signal to him of the new school year, of the seemmingly small period of the year in which he could use magic, and of the new start he desperately strived for. Nikholas was one of the few surrounding students still clothed casually as opposed to wearing the school's uniform. And for good reason. Over the summer, when turning in his transfer papers, he encountered the sorting hat. Much to his, and his younger, Gryfindor cousin's dismay, he was sorted in Slytherin. He did not think it possible, nor did his cousin or the others surrounding him. Not with his warm facial expressions, innocent intentions, and bookworm-type behavior. It was a dreadful, dreadful mistake and he was ashamed of it. In the midst of his thoughts, he felt a small tug at the hem of his gray sweater.

Nikholas was brought back to reality by the gesture, the petite girl standing up against his side, staring up at him with her bold, golden brown eyes, calling his name feverently as she continued to gently tug at him. "We really gotta go, we're gonna miss it!", she whined. He sighed softly, looking down at his younger cousin, Kayla, with a kind expression. This was her second year at Hogwarts, and he knew she wanted to get back to all of her friends as quickly as possible. Though Nikholas was anxious to start at Hogwarts, he did not look forward to meeting his housemates, having heard nothing about them except for their utter lack of politeness and their extremekly snobbish behavior. Nevertheless, with a deep breath, he took Kayla's hand, and let the excited girl lead him onto the train.

Kayla spoke quickly as she lead him, "I'm not going to sit with... Slytherin types. I'll find you a compartment with some, then leave you be, okay?" Nikholas shook his head insistantly, though she could not see it, for she was leading him down the long, narrow hallway. "I don't think-" He was interrupted as Kayla suddenly stopped in front of a compartment, nearly full of guys of Nikholas' age. They were all adorned in Slytherin cloaks, and seemed to have been talking about a specific muggle-born. They turned to look at the two of them in surprise as they stood there, a sneer slowly coming to one particular blond's face. Nikholas immediately rushed his sister further down the hallway, "No, no, I shall sit with you." The little girl complied, only to find the compartment holding her friends almost full already. Still wanting to sit with her friends, she would look for somewhere for Nikholas to sit. Turning to the compartment across the hall, she spotted one of the few less crowded apartments.

Two girls were already sitting there, and though Kayla was not friends with them, she did in fact know their names. They were from her house, after all. Kayla opened the door quickly, smiling brightly at the two girls. "Karen annnnd....Ginny, right? Can my cousin sit here? Nicky is too shy to sit with his own housemates." Kayla hadn't waited for the girls to reply before pushing Nikholas right on in, causing his eyes to widen in surprise, before he opted to sit in the empty space next to Ginny. Kayla then stood in the doorway for a moment longer, speaking to her cousin, "See you at school!" She then left in a hurry, her and her friends later heared giggling in the neighboring compartment. Nikholas rubbed the back of his head absent-mindedly, at a loss for what to say. He sure hoped they didn't mind him sitting there. "Well, hello." He chuckled softly, then smiled warmly, introducing himself since he was given their names, "I'm Nikholas. Nikholas Regaldy."

Hogwarts Express was getting ready to depart. Another loud whistle sounded and Karen watched the last students hurrying to the train. "How was your summer?" Ginny asked after a few moments of silence. Karen turned her chestnut eyes to Ginny and shrugged her shoulders, "You know, same old." She said, "I had to stay home for the Quidditch World cup this year." She said with a sigh of defeat, she started fiddling with a piece of her hair out of habit. Karen listened to Ginny discuss the Quidditch game with jealously growing with every word she uttered. Karen wished she could have met up with Ginny and her family at the World Cup, it was probably once in a life time event that her and and Michael had missed. "But it was very chaotic towards the end of it ." Ginny said quietly turning away from the Irish's outstanding victory. Ginny explained the Death Eater appearance, which involved a large group Death Eaters rampaging through the World Cup grounds and killing whomever they felt like. The Dark Mark had also made an appearance in the sky above them, Karen remembered reading it all in the Daily Prophet. She attempted to get answers from dear her parents about what happened, but they told her that it was none of her concern and that she would do better to stick her nose somewhere else. She shuddered at the thought of Death Eaters. They were, after all ,"You-know-who's" supporters. Why did they make a sudden appearance at the World Cup? Neither of them seemed to be able to answer that question, for it seemed unusual for a group of Death Eaters to show up at random like this.

The discussion casually turned into something lighter, "Did you know there's supposed to be some huge event at Hogwarts this year?" Karen blinked in astonishment at this piece of information, "What is it?" She asked, curiosity now swarming inside her. Ginny shrugged, "My Dad said something about Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, and apparently they're going to be taking a part in this. He wouldn't tell me what it was though." She said frowning. Karen smiled, "Oh well, I guess we will find out sooner or later." She said.

Before they could continue their conversation any further the door to the compartment opened, and without any warning a girl began pushing a guy into the room. Kayla, that was her name. She was in the same house as Karen was, although she had barely spoken to her before. "Who-" Karen started but Kayla ended up cutting her off to talk to her cousin one last time before she left the room and left the three of them alone. Karen looked at Ginny for a brief second when Nikholas introduced himself and then back to him.She returned a welcoming smile at him, "Hello," She laughed, he looked rather nervous, "We don't bite." Karen glanced at Ginny who seemed to be doing a poor attempt to hide a smile. "I've don't recall seeing you at Hogwarts before, what house are you in?" Karen asked looking at him. She felt bad for him getting abandoned with a couple girls he never met.

Nikholas, tense at the moment, sat there for the split-second of silence. Many thoughts seemed to hit him, most concerning acceptance. Where these girls going to laugh at him? Would they kick him out? When he saw a smile come across Karen's face, he immediately relaxed, all doubt flying out the window. So his sister had done him well in finding him a decent seat. Nikholas began to smile, slipping his trunk beneath the seat as he listened to Karen speak. At Karen's second comment, 'we don't bite', he let out a small laugh. Why had he been so nervous again? As the assumed, yet dreaded, question quickly came, Nikholas let out a soft sigh, frowning a bit. By now he had noticed the rivalry between Gryfindor and Slytherin, and didn't like the thought of getting kicked out of the compartment simply for being in that house. Nevertheless, these two seemed to be nice enough, and Nikholas wasn't much of a liar, so he let it out. "I'm actually a transfer from Durmstrang", Nikholas explained. Again his hand went to the back of his head, rubbing it, facial features looking almost apologetic as he spoke again, "I was placed in Slytherin over the summer... But, from what I've heard, they don't seem to be the best lot. Not my sort at all, really. My cousin, of course, is appalled." he added, letting out a small laugh. Nikholas thought back to the compartment of Slytherin guys that Kayla insisted he sit with. They seemed to be the right age to be in the same year as himself, but their topic of conversation... For goodness sakes, he had friends who were muggles! And it wasn't as if he had a reason to have a problem with half-bloods, either. His housemates and himself would not be getting along, and Nikholas was already very aware of that fact.

His thoughts then traveled back to what few words he had heard from their compartment before Kayla had decided on bursting on in, concerning some event at Hogwarts. The headmaster of Durmstrang, of course, had mentioned something of the sort before the beginning of the summer, but had never truly told what exactly was taking place. Nevertheless, hoping to spark some conversation and hopefully get to know the two better, Nikholas perked up and asked them both a question, "What years are you two in? We might have some of the same classes." His tone showed his pick up in mood, almost cheerful at the thought of starting the year by knowing the names of a couple of people in his classes.

Karen and Ginny laughed along with him, Karen was glad to see him loosening up a bit. As Nikholas told them about his transfer Karen's face lit up with excitement. "A transfer student? I didn't know that was possible." She said grinning. She remembered Ginny mentioning something about Durmstrang and Beauxbatons only minutes ago and tilted her head slightly wondering if this is what she meant. She couldn't suppress the look of shock that hit her face when he told them what house he was in, "Slytherin?" She said in a casual tone, too casual. For a moment, she felt slightly cold towards Nikholas. Ginny looked rather dumbstruck. Karen let the realization overcome her for a moment that she was talking to a Slytherin. But was she really? He seemed too kind and gentle. He didn't seem like he belonged in that awful house. All at once, the coldness drained from her face and Karen let out a quick laugh, "You're in Slytherin? Impossible. I think you were sorted with the wrong sorting hat." She said, "You're just too nice!" She had never seen a Slytherin hold a conversation with a Gryfindor or really anyone out of Slytherin. Ginny joked," You better watch it. You'll be shunned from your own house for just talking to us." Karen laughed. Once they both calmed down Karen added with a warm smile, "You are very right, they're are a rather nasty lot."

When Nikholas asked what year they were in Karen replied for both of them, "I'm in my fifth year and Ginny is in her third year." She said and then paused for a moment before asking, "What year are you in?" Was he even in a year? She was unclear on how the transferring of students from one school to another worked. Karen spared a quick glance out the window, it was getting dark out. She could barely see anything except for the dark silhouettes of trees and hills.

Nikholas' smile brightened a bit as his transfar was mentioned. The possibility of transfer was a shock to him as well, actually remembering te news vividly. His father worked within the ministry, and had somehow, much to Nikholas' great disbelief, found a way to transfer his son to Hogwarts. "I didn't think so either... but, hey, somehow it worked out." He'd then shrug, unsure of how to further explain it, not knowing himself, really. His father had handled it all. The shock at the mention of his house he had seen multiple times before, in his cousin, his parents, his old friends at Durmstrang even- it was surely an error, and it was an embarrassing one. The coldness that followed in Karen's expression frightened him a bit, but he showed no outward signs of it, merely shifting awkwardly in his seat until the coldness left. That was a relief. After relaxing again, Nikholas laughed with the two girls, glad that they didn't seem to mind, smiling at the responses that brought on. After they spoke, he flashed them a smile, now more on the warm side as opposed to the shy, polite one he had earlier shown. He let out another small laugh at Ginny's joke, answering after the laughter stopped. "I'm sure it was a mistake, but that was the most insistant hat I've ever met..." Then, going back to the mention of his housemates' nastiness, "I was afraid of that. As for being shunned- that's alright. I didn't think I'd get along with them anyways." And Nikholas really did seem not to care. His family consisted of mostly Gryfindors, anyways, he didn't think he could find it in himself to accept his house being Slytherin.

Nikholas nodded to show understanding as he was told their years, his smile coming back immediately. His cousin was a second year, explaining why she was friends with neither of them. However, he was a fifth year, meaning there was a chance he now knew someone that might be in his classes. "I'm in my fifth year as well." Then, after noticing something that may be confusion. he went on to explain, "Durmstrang also has a system similar to the years Hogwarts has, so that's how it worked out." When a pause in conversation came, his gaze went to the compartment across the way, glancing over at his sister and his friends. There was much giggling coming from that direction, muffled voices mingling in the air, clearly telling him that that compartment would have been too loud for him. His gaze then went to the window, noticing the time, wondering if they were nearing their destination yet.

An amused smile appeared on Karen's lips, "Well, perhaps you could ask Dumbledore to get re-sorted. Then you wouldn't have to deal with them." She laughed to herself and then added lightly, "It does seem that you're a Gryfindor at heart." She remembered the sorting hat as if it had only been yesterday that she had been sorted into Gryfindor. She had almost begged the hat to put her in Slytherin, longing to be excepted by her family. But it was insistant, as Nikhokas had said. It seemed to know that she didn't belong that house, surrounded by such unthoughtful and insensitive people. How could a simple hat know something like that? Magic, she concluded with no other explanation. She all of the sudden felt a sting of guilt for the brief moment in which she felt an intense dislike towards Nikholas. It wasn't his fault. She knew if she had been sorted into Slytherin she would have been in the same position, even five years later. She wouldn't have fit in with her housemates even though her family had been in Slytherin for as long as they could remember. That was at least until Karen and her brother came in and broke the tradition. "Well, we'll be here to support you anyway." Ginny spoke up, "I'm sure it wont take you anytime at all to fit in. You may be in Slytherin, but people will see how different you are to them quickly enough." Karen nodded in agreement.

Karen's eyes shone with delight as he spoke what year he was in and explained a little about how his school worked, "Well that's great!" She said, "I'm sure we will have plenty of classes together then." Then suddenly she frowned, "I sure hope the Head of Slytherin treats you nicely, though I doubt it. Professor Snape isn't exactly easy to get along with." As she said this she remembered how so many house points were lost because of stupid things. It was as if he Snape enjoyed it and searched for every chance he could to make peoples lives miserable. "He spoils the Slytherins though. Consider yourself lucky on that, but maybe you'll get on his bad side and get some points deducted." Ginny said grinning.

After a brief moments of silence, Karen turned her head sharply away from the window and to the compartment across from them. It was the continuous laughing that had caught her attention. She saw someone standing in the entrance of the compartment talking to a group of girls. Is that Michael? She wondered to herself. She could hear the girls throwing fits of giggles and the person turned around for a moment, making eye contact with Karen with a big grin on his face. He then turned back and said something inaudible in which another roar of laughter erupted from the girls. "Michael," She muttered and then looked at Nikholas, "Flirting with a bunch of girls. He was afraid only a year ago of talking to one, you know." She said rolling her eyes and then smiling. "We have to be getting close to Hogwarts by now." Karen said throwing another glance at the window.

Nikholas smiled at the first thoughts that hit him, concerning changing houses. He supposed that might just work, since that hat was so darn insistent, it would just be easier to ask a real person. After all, Dumbledore was headmaster, he should have say over the sorting hat. The next words were, again, similar to what he'd heard from others before, but were comforting nonetheless. Gryfindor at heart... That, accompanied with the words of encouragement, kept Nikholas' smile in place, now genuinely happy that Kayla had picked to throw him into this compartment. It seemed to be exactly what he needed. "I'll try talking to the headmaster about it. If that doesn't work, then I sure hope you're right about what people will think." Then, after a short pause, "Thank you. I'm glad I met you both." He'd flash the two girls another smile before turning his gaze to look out the window. The very tips of something were showing through the trees in the distance, bringing an instant flutter in his stomach. He was anxious, as anyone may be starting at a new school, but he was most definitely looking forward to being at Hogwarts. He'd heard numerous stories from Kayla, of professors, people, and spells... And though Durmstrang had been a good school, and he had friends there, it did seem quite different. For instance, the headmasters were distinctly different, his previous far stricter than what he'd heard about Dumbledore.

Then, back to reality as Karen answered his excitement with what sounded like some of her own. He grinned, hoping that it was so. He would very much like to know at least one person in his classes. "I hope so." He listened; taking careful note of what they told him about the head of Slytherin, wondering what kind of person that man may be like. "Well, I hope we get along alright. If nothing else, I'm usually quiet in my classes," though he was enjoying the friendly conversation now, "so it shouldn't be much of a problem." Another fit of giggles erupted and Nikholas couldn't help but roll his eyes a little, surprised to see Karen do so as well. Had she a relative in there as well? Ah, a brother. Nikholas chuckled at her comment, knowing his cousin was quite a boy-crazed girl: typical, but over the top. He decided not to comment further when she mentioned Hogwarts, again looking at the dark peaks rising over the line of evergreens. That was when something curious happened.

Near the dark, looming peaks, which Nikholas was almost sure was Hogwarts’ topmost towers, something smaller and nearer began to rise up behind the tree line. Squinting at it, curious, he waited for the train to near a bit more before he was able to distinguish the dark form of a mast, his eyes immediately widening. A ship coming out of a lake? But how... Nikholas then smiled. Of course. How else? Realization then came to him, causing a great stir of curiosity in his mind. He knew that ship. “Durmstrang.” he murmured quietly, surprise obvious in his facial expression as he watched the massive ship rise out of the Black Lake. Why were his old schoolmates here? Shaking his head a little, Nikholas took his gaze away from the window, adjusting his broomstick within the hand he held it with. Karkaroff mentioned a contest of sorts… so it was to be held here? And what exactly would it entitle? Already his head was buzzing with questions, more anxiousness, mostly caused by excitement, coming to him though his facial expression remained calm. “Did Dumbledore… elude to anything at the close of last year?” That was how Karkaroff briefly mentioned something of the sort, Nikholas was curious to see if Ginny or Karen knew what was going on exactly.

Karen smiled again when Nikholas spoke of speaking to Dumbledore, "You would think he would have a say over that old hat." She said shaking her head in disbelief of the whole situation. Then she added, "Its a pleasure meeting you as well." Ginny nodded and said in a cheerful voice, "It's not everyday that you meet a student that previously went to Durmstrang, this will be an exciting school year."There was no mistaking the excitement in Ginny's voice, and Karen couldn't agree with her more. She had heard of Durmstrang, but it almost seemed surreal that another magical school existed outside of Hogwarts. It was all very strange, but at the same time it was quite fascinating. Karen knew that Nikholas would thoroughly enjoy Hogwarts. It didn't matter if he was able to be resorted into Gryfindor or not, although she hoped the headmaster would allow it. She smiled to herself, he had no idea what was coming, because there was nothing in the world quite like Hogwarts.

Ginny laughed as they discussed Snape a little further, "Well, sometimes you could do something as little as breathing too loud and you'll find yourself landed in detention." She warned. Karen let out another laugh when Ginny said this. "Most of the other teachers are a fair bit nicer then him." Karen assured him, she suddenly wondered who the new Defense the Dark Arts teacher would be this year, it always changed. Last year had been her favorite teacher; Professor Lupin. He had resigned at the end of the year when information leaked out around the school that he was a werewolf. Karen sighed, werewolf or not, that year was the most she ever got out of that class. She hoped to get as much out of the next teacher as she did with Lupin. She saw the broomstick Nikholas was holding and smiled. Quidditch was something she always looked forward to. She had been on the Gryfindor team for the only a year, but had enjoyed playing as one of the teams Chasers. Her broomstick had remained at Hogwarts however, seeing she didn't want it to be confiscated from her parents who highly disapproved of her joining the team, not that she really cared anymore. She made a mental note to save the topic of Quidditch for another time, for her excitement of the upcoming year had fully caught her attention and had driven her into silence.

Karen's eyes turned back to the window once more, a wave of uncontrollable excitement came over her as she spotted something that could very well have been part of Hogwarts castle. Butterflies swarmed endlessly in her stomach as she realized she was almost home. She had waited all summer for this wonderful moment, though she somehow felt this year would be the most exciting. Already it had started off much differently then she had expected. The conversation her and Ginny had earlier now entered her mind. Se remembered Ginny telling her that two other schools would be visiting their school this year; Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. So what part were they going to play in this? She looked at Ginny who seemed to be lost in thought as well, staring out into the dark night. She wondered if her thoughts were similar to her own. She then saw the surprised expression on Nikholas' face and turned her gaze back to the outdoors. For a brief moment, she was sure she was imagining what she saw, but then she narrowed her eyes and leaned closer. Is that a ship? She wondered in disbelief. Before she could explore the possibilities any further of what the mysterious dark shape slowly rising from the Black Lake was, she heard Nikholas mutter something. She turned back to him just in time for him to ask another question. "Dumbledore didn't mention a thing about this." She answered with a frown, confusion clear in her voice. Karen couldn't recall Dumbledore mentioning anything about anything special happening this year. She stared at the ship-like shadow that was now fully in view. "Does that ship belong to your school?" Ginny asked, she looked overwhelmed.

Nikholas frowned at Ginny's warning on Snape. So, he was really that bad? He nearly cringed at that thought, not fancying the idea of going into detention. He'd been given detention before, but... Well, that had been understandable. Still, he grinned as he replied once more before the subject changed, "Well, thanks for the warning. He sounds... delightful.." the last bit was a bit sarcastic on his part, but his thoughts became distracted from here on out. His old schoolmates were here... what did this mean? Were they staying for a while? Nikholas couldn't help but hope so, delighting in the thought of being accompanied by his friends at Durmstrang while he got accustomed to Hogwarts. It may be a smooth transfer, after all. He began to consider himself extraordinarily lucky in this situation.

Nikholas was sure of it now, watching the shadow of the ship rise high above the tree tops. It wasn't at all comparable to the monstrous size of Hogwarts, but it very well outdid the height of the surrounding pine trees. He was so caught up in his thoughts that the question posed to him caught him by surprise. He probably should have assumed it would have been asked, but frowned a bit as he realized that they hadn't a clue about whatever was coming this year. "Yes, that ship belongs to Durmstrang... The Hogwarts student body travels by train, but the sons of Durmstrang travel by ship." Nikholas then contemplated whether or not this would really have anything to do with what his ex-headmaster, Karkaroff, had mentioned, coming to the solution that it must. And in that circumstance, should he tell Ginny and Karen what little he knew about this? He thought this over for a minute or so before letting out a small sigh, lowering his voice a bit as if to disclose important information. "Karkaroff didn't tell us exactly what was going to go on, but... He did mention a contest, of sorts. He might've used the word tournament, really, but I'm not sure. He didn't answer any questions about it, so the Durmstrang students really haven't a clue of what's to happen either." Then a pause, his voice going to his normal tone again as he leaned back against the seat cushion behind him. "In any case, I'm not sure if he merely wanted to use the mention of a contest to make us brush up on our abilities, or what." A dreadful thought came to him next: he would have to put the Hogwarts cloak on soon, his adorned with a Slytherin symbol. The very thought disgusted him, but he slipped out his cloaks nevertheless. An almost childish frown coming to his face, Nikholas stood, going to the compartment's door. "I should go change. Be back soon." He'd then leave, holding his cloak, wrapped so that the Slytherin emblem couldn't be seen.

On his way down the hallway to find a restroom or something of the sort, a voice rose up. "Regaldy!" He frowned at the snobbish quality of the voice, knowing it very well already. Nikholas attempted a grin at Malfoy as said boy popped his head out of his compartment door. Nikholas, not wishing to engage in conversation with the often rude and overall annoying male, swiftly passed him as if in a hurry. That didn't stop Malfoy from yelling at his back as he left, "Sit with us when you're done! We don't need you frolicking around with a Weasley!" The drop of that name made Nikholas curious, but he did not stop until he reached a restroom and successfully changed his clothing. He stood looking in the mirror for quite some time, fidgeting with his cloack in a futile attempt to make it not seem as bad as he thought it to be. Slytherin. Of all four houses, Slytherin. Sighing, he opted to fold his scarf in a manner to hide the Slytherin emblem from view. On the way back, Nikholas began to think about Malfoy's words. Weasley. Well, yes, he knew that last name- his father worked at the Ministry, so he knew many of its workers. In fact, he could even put a face to the name, and it was not until he pictured Mr. Weasely that he realized what Draco meant. There was an obvious resemblance between Mr. Weasely and a certain girl he had just met. Ginny must be a relative. But what the bloody hell was wrong with sitting with a Weasely? He found Mr. Weasely to be a very pleasant man, from the few minutes he'd met with him, and he found Ginny to be a very friendly, enjoyable person. It was this belief that made Nikholas now feel a bit cold towards his new housemate, and much to his displeasure, he again found Malfoy popping his head out of his compartment, waiting for him. "C'mon, now!" Malfoy insisted, but Nikholas again simply passed him, "I'd prefer to sit with a Weasely." He put particular emphasis on the word, earning a shocked look of disgust from Draco. Nikholas, oddly enough, found pleasure in that look, and had just opened the door of their compartment when Draco replied, "My father will hear about this!" Nikholas simply rolled his eyes as he shut their compartment's door, reclaiming his seat next to Ginny.

Hogwarts school was nearly in view, but Karen could barely keep her eyes away from the ship. When Nikholas confirmed Ginny's question the enormous ship belonging to Durmstrang Karen's eyes widened slightly. The thought of traveling by ship sounded amazing and something she all of the sudden had the desire to do. Going back to the subject on the so-called tournament "Ginny's dad mentioned something about Durmstrang visiting Hogwarts, along with the Beauxbatons." Karen said, "But he mentioned nothing else other then the fact that something out of the ordinary was going to be happening at Hogwarts this year." Ginny added. Karen and Ginny listened intently as Nikholas explained what little his headmaster had told him. A tournament..Karen let this sink in for a moment before speaking, "A tournament, well that sounds interesting." Karen said many thoughts running through her mind. She stared into space for a moment, lost in thought. What sort of tournament is this? She couldn't even begin to guess what the three schools were up to. Why wasn't it mentioned, not even the slightest hint of something extraordinary happening this year. Karen shook herself back to reality once more, "I wonder how big this tournament, or contest will be." Karen couldn't even venture a guess. It could have been something as simple as a dueling club for all she knew. As Nikholas announced his leave to change into his uniform, Karen couldn't help but give him a sympathetic smile . "Just don't abandon us for the Sytherins." Ginny joked halfheartedly.

When Nikholas left, Karen and Ginny looked at each other. They each had the same expression on their face; utter shock. So many things had happened in the last couple hours that they barely knew where to start. They laughed nervously after a minute of silence, "So what do you think is going to happen this year?' Karen threw the question at Ginny, knowing she probably didn't have the answer but hoping at the same time she might. Ginny laughed as if the question Karen had asked was a complete joke, "I haven't the foggiest." She said, "But I hope we find out soon, its really bugging me." Karen nodded, and sighed. The girls in the compartment next to her let another roar of laugh. Karen shook her head and looked at Ginny whom was grinning, "I think you're brother might just have a girlfriend by the end of the year if he keeps it up." Karen laughed, she didn't doubt it.

Suddenly, the compartment door opened. A Slytherin girl stood sneering at them, looking around with cold eyes. Karen stared at her, her brown eyes narrowed into a glare, "May we help you?" Karen asked, her voice suddenly lacked its usual warmth. It was Pansy Parkinson, a year younger then her and the snottiest girl she had ever met. Pansy raised an eyebrow and turned her eyes on Karen with pure hatred etched on her face. "I was looking for the transfer student, Nikholas-" Karen cut her off in mid-sentence, "He went to change into his uniform, and from what I've heard him say he has little desire to hang out with the likes of you. So go back to Malfoy, I'm sure he'll be wanting you there to continue your discussion about mudbloods." For a moment, Pansy looked taken aback, but then she appeared more then ready to hit Karen. Instead she spoke, her voice was unkind, hatred pouring out of every word she uttered. "You best watch it, Wolf. He belongs to our house, I can see that he's already got off on the bad side hanging out with the likes of you. But I'm sure we can fix that" She said, a small smile appeared on her face. "Get out of here." Karen said sharply, standing up. She wouldn't hesitate to take her wand out on her. Ginny remained in her seat, shifting uncomfortably feeling how tense it was getting in the room. Pansy laughed, "Being ordered out by a couple of blood traitors?" She walked closer to Karen, for a moment all they did was stare at each other. Karen wanted nothing more then to curse her. Why didn't she just crawl back to Malfoy and her little gang? Why did she always need to intrude when she was obviously unwanted?

Before Nikholas left, he'd stop in the doorway at Ginny's joke, looking almost amused. He gave her a quick, crooked smile, "Wouldn't dream of it." His tone was also half-heartedly joking. He'd much rather sit with Ginny and Karen than those in Slytherin that he already knew, but he didn't know the girls nor most of his housemates very well yet, so he still had a bit to find out about them before he really said he preferred them over his house. So far, it wasn't looking good for the Slytherins in his view. After his good mood was disturbed by Malfoy on his journey to change into the dreadful robes, he really didn't want any more trouble on his way back. Nikholas couldn't help but put up a cold front around the few Slytherins he'd met after Malfoy's words, which had burnt deep into his mind. That, and the knowledge of their feelings about muggles and half-bloods, was enough to anger him, but he kept his composure on the walk back, a grin lining his lips and a decent pace until he re-entered their compartment. He did live in the muggle world during the summer, and the fact was, he happened to like it. He had non-magical friends in his little neighborhood, his parents hosted dinner parties for muggle friends of the family- any bad talk towards muggles simply because they were incapable of magic he found to be intolerable. In the case of the Malfoys, Draco and his father, he held a certain hostile coldness towards them because they held this horrid dislike for muggles. Utterly disgusting people, they were. Completely intolerable.

Immediately Nikholas spotted another girl lurking around there, pure hatred etched onto her features, bringing curiosity on his part. If he didn't know any better, he would've asked first thing. From her clothing, he made out that she was a Slytherin as well, tugging his mood down yet again. Still, he was polite, forcing a seemingly effortless smile in her direction. Karen and the other girl were in eachother's faces, bringing the slightest bit of anxiety to Nikholas. Quickly, he'd seek to pull them from whatever heated conversation had previously happened in there. Whatever the hell that subject could've been. By now, it was made apparent to him that there was most definitely a rivalry going on at Hogwarts, and he was sure this was only the first of it. Clearing his voice, he'd stand as soon as he had sat down, trying his best to calm the tension in this situation. "Hello, can I help you?" He flashed the new girl his best smile, "My name's Nikholas, it's a pleasure to meet you." His left hand was loose at his side, conveniently close to where he stored his wand, within the inner pocket of his cloak. Nikholas didn't have any intentions to fight, but from his experience at Durmstrang, if a fight did break out, defense would be necessary immediately. Hell, whatever the girl had previously wanted there, if it spared Ginny and Karen some trouble, he'd escort her over to Malfoy. He wasn't fond of the idea, but these two girls had treated him kindly, and if he could repay that, he most definitely would.

Karen's eyes remained fixedly on Pansy's, she knew there were people watching now. At least from the compartment across from them, for the girls had stopped carrying on and laughing. Michael was glancing in with a look of horror on his face, he clearly didn't want to see Karen in a fight with a Slytherin but couldn't do much about it. Ginny spoke quietly and calmly to Pansy, much more calmly then the piece of scum deserved, although there was a touch of coolness in her voice, "Just leave." Parkinson turned her eyes on Ginny for a moment, "And why should I do that, Weasley?" Ginny glared at her, "If you don't leave, I will happily perform the Bat Bogey Hex on you." Her eyes looked rather dangerous, yet if Ginny had spoken these words in a lighter situation Karen would have laughed. Even now it seemed like a joke, but Ginny was dead serious. Pansy looked ready to laugh for a split second, but Karen could have sworn she saw a flicker of fear appear on her face but disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. "Well?" Karen said quietly, "I've seen her and her Bat Bogey Hex at work. So why don't go now before things turn rather ugly." Pansy laughed, a shrilling sound like nails on a chalk bored. "So you're letting her fight for you. What are you, coward?" She was testing Karen's patience every moment she opened her mouth, every moment she stood with her head inches away from her face with that incredible condescending expression on her face.

In her peripheral vision, she saw Nikholas enter the room, for that brief second she let go of some of her tension and let a wave of relief spread over her. But as he introduced himself to her, Pansy turned her icy eyes away from Karen and a smirk appeared on her face. She didn't reply to him right away, but instead she seemed to scan him, a look of disapproval on her face, then she looked him in the eyes and spoke, "So you're the new Slytherin." She said, her voice wasn't welcoming and she didn't seem impressed by what she saw. "Is there a reason you're hanging out with these two?" She said coolly, "Or maybe you actually like these blood traitors?" Karen rolled her eyes and stepped between Pansy and Nikholas but turned back to Pansy. "Leave now." Karen demanded, she remembered her wand had been resting in her pocket. The sudden temptation to whip it out and use the confundus spell on her was most irresistible right now . Pansy snorted and looked at Nikholas paying no attention to Karen's request, "Are you coming with me, or not?" Karen tensed more, she had a feeling Nikholas had little desire to walk out with this girl and join Malfoy's group. But what if he declined and it caused a fight to start. Then again, Pansy wasn't exactly brave enough to start one. Or was she? She could always bring Malfoy into the picture if she wanted to.

Nikholas paid no mind to the girl currently sizing him up, finding that he could really care less what his house thought of him at the moment, they did not have even an ounce his respect so he cared not for any Slytherin right now. He stared down Pansy, with a dry smile until now, his gaze turning quite a bit colder with her words, almost menacing with the intensity. That look gave Kayla, in a neighboring compartment, the chills. She had only seen that look a few times before, never directed at herself, but it did scare her a bit, not that she would admit that aloud. Again with the prejudice. If Nikholas were in any other place right now, he would've hexed Malfoy, and simply ignored the incredibly conceited girl before him. However, his hand itched for his wand- ached for it, really. Durmstrang was quite a bit different, indeed, and he was hoping that these Slytherin could learn something from that before the end of the year. At his old school, respect and ability were everything, so if people had problems, duels were held and the problems were solved. Here, it seemed, they simply held grudges. Nikholas wasn't fond of fighting, but he found himself almost preferring the Durmstrang method right now.

Nikholas reamined silent, almost wanting to speak, but holding his tongue for sake of starting a fight. However, when he was finally adressed, he actually hesitated. The obvious answer to him was a no, he didn't wish to go meet with that horrid lot, and he hadn't a clue about why they were so damned insistent on including him. If not for the fact that a fight may just break out, he wouldn't have hesitated to decline the offer at all. Ginny and Karen were involved, though, and after showing Nikholas kindness, he thought that involving them in a fight over pride would be a horrid way of paying them back. Then again... His mind rested among a thought for a moment, a sly smile coming across Nikholas' face for a moment. Malfoy and him just had it out in the hallway, so he doubted Draco truly wished to see him right now. In fact, since Pansy was most likely sent to retrieve him before that happened, Draco may even be glad that he didn't come. That encounter would end badly, anyways. Clearing his voice, Nikholas answered with an amused tone, "I'm afraid Malfoy doesn't wish to see me right now, and honestly, he'd be a lot better off if he didn't." His tone was confident, cool, as was his posture, earning a smile from his cousin, who was watching from her seat across the hallway. Unbeknownst to Nikholas, Kayla elbowed the girl next to her gently, getting the attention of her friend there, "That's my cousin!", she whispered non-too-quietly. Nikholas would relax a bit after a few moments, taking his seat once more, not expecting any retaliation from Pansy. After all, he was sure Malfoy would be infuriated to see his face right now, after their earlier conversation, and vice versa. If he were to be stuck within the same vicinity as Draco right now, Nikholas may not hold his temper very well.

The intensity that hovered in the room was making Karen rather uncomfortable, although she hid the discomfort well and kept a straight face which remained cold and challenging. If Pansy made a move, Karen would be ready, and the same she sensed for Ginny. Ginny's light brown eyes were currently narrowed and contained anger that burnt deep within them. Karen remained quiet for a moment watching Pansy's reaction to Nikholas' words, and to her satisfaction Pansy looked rather offended. A look Karen would have done anything to of caught on camera. A small smile formed on Karen's lips, she knew they would have a good laugh once the girl left them. "Really?" Pansy spoke to him, "Another blood traitor?" She paused but Karen didn't give her time to speak, "Perhaps that will give you something slightly off topic to talk about with Malfoy." Karen said sarcastically, "The first blood traitor to ever enter Slytherin house." She laughed, it was really all the Slytherins ever talked about period. There extreme dislike for muggleborns (or mudbloods as they called them), and half-bloods was almost an obsession. To them, anyone that wasn't a pureblood was as low as a piece of dung. To top that, anyone who disagreed with a Slytherin, or any snotty pureblood, about their dislikes of halfbloods and mugglebornes were considered blood traitors among with many other reasons. It made Karen absolutely sick to her stomach in disgust. Pansy seemed to consider Karen's words and then spoke again, "Yes, perhaps I will tell Draco. It will be a rather interesting year. I'll be seeing you at school then." She said sneering at everyone. She turned around with one quick glance at Nikholas and stormed out of the compartment without another word. Karen sat back in her seat and lay her head against the wall, attempting to defuse the tension that was taking over her. Karen knew better then to let a Slytherin get to her, but she couldn't help but feel irritated.

Michael was standing in the doorway grinning widely at all of them, "You three were brilliant!" He said in excitement, beaming at all of them. Karen's eyes became warm again as she lifted her head up and looked at her brother and smiled. Ginny laughed, "It seems we scared her off. But I'm sure that's not the end." Ginny said looking at Nikholas, "It doesn't appear you've started out that great with your house." Karen looked over to him and gave a quick smile, "You'll be getting trouble from that lot now." Karen said, hoping more then anything, for Nikholas' sake, that he would be able to transfer to Gryfindor house to avoid Slytherin as much as possible. She knew, at least from what she saw, that he could handle a Slytherin attack well. But living with them all the time, how would he survive? Karen knew she would have landed herself in many detentions by now, Draco was someone she despised more then anyone at Hogwarts and she had a short temper when it came to him and his little gang. Her parents happened to be great friends with the Malfoy family unfortunately. Her father worked at the Ministry of Magic so he knew Draco's father well enough, and had very similar likes and dislikes. Karen shifted her thoughts, noting that the train seemed to be slowing down ever so slightly, "I think we're getting very close." She said, and even as she spoke the train seemed to be slowing down even further. "Ginny looked out the window, "I can sort of see Hogwarts, one of its towers at least." She said pointing out the window. Michael had heard Ginny say this and then turned around and repeated what she said to everyone in his compartment, his voice filled with uncontrollable excitement.

Nikholas couldn't help but smile at Pansy's reaction. Yes, a blood traitor. Who'd have thought? Well, anyone in his position with his personality would have done the same, he supposed. He did not reply furhter to Pansy, eyeing her for a moment as she walked off before relaxing in his seat, smiling in great amusement. Oh, but dear, Draco already knows. And Nikholas knew there was dangerous territory ahead, not that he seemed to mind much anymore. Containing laughter had been somewhat hard, so when Michael came across the hall to compliment how they handled the situation, a small laugh easily escaped him at this. At the comments from Ginny and Karen, he shrugged a bit. "I'm honestly not concerned about it." And with the presence of his Durmstrang friends, life would just be so much easier. He was confident, had been nervous as first, but his renewed hatred of Draco seemed to have drastically changed his mood for now. "But... I am sorry about that. I'm sure she wouldn't have come if I hadn't been here. I probably should have sat with my house." Nikholas didn't like that thought in the least bit, but risking a fight like that didn't seem fair. Perhaps, if he could switch out of Slytherin, befriending others would be easier. He started to think about holding off on introducing himself to others until he was transferred out of the horrid house, if that was even possible. This was his reasoning for not introducing himself properly to Michael, he did not want anyone else involved with him if a fight were to, indeed, break out.

Nikholas' attention shifted as she train began to slow, his gaze flying over to the window as Ginny spoke. He smiled a bit, still anxious to get inside of the school and actually begin the year. What he was not looking forward to was going the Slytherins' section of the dorms. That would be intimidating, he had to admit. In either case, he was still rather happy to be there, glad to see his old classmates, and even happier with the thought that his house might be able to be changed by speaking to the headmaster. Nikholas had his fingers crossed, so to speak, hoping to be changed into any other house, preferably Gryfindor, but really, any other aside from Slytherin would do. This was when Kayla would peek into their compartment, smiling at Nikholas in a sweet manner. "You ready? We're getting off in a few minutes." Nikholas would nod once in understanding, watching his cousin go off to speak with her friends again for the last few minutes of the train ride. He let out a soft sigh, itching to get off already.

Karen looked taken aback by Nikholas' words, but Ginny just gave a sour laugh, "I think something of this nature happens regularly. Whether with you around or not. It's not your fault." She said sighing and shaking her head, there might of been rivalry between their houses but in the long run it was the Slytherins that started it in the first place. In Karen's opinion, Hogwarts would have done great with out them. She nodded her head when Ginny spoke, "Besides, it's a good thing you didn't sit with your own house. It's been nice talking with you." Karen flashed a warm smile, then she added, "And I don't appreciate people insulting my friends." She said glancing at both of them. Blood traitor. She had long since got over the fact that she would be called that unpleasant name until hell froze over, but when aimed at a friend friend, it was too much for her. It also bugged her that Michael had to go through the same as she did, though it didn't seem to bother him for the most part.

Karen got up and stretched, and nearly lost her balance for no other reason than her own clumsiness. She laughed at herself for a moment and then said, "I suppose we should gather our things, we'll be getting off any minute now." As she said this she felt the butterflies in her stomach take off again, she was only moments away from getting off the train and starting another year at Hogwarts. She couldn't wait to find out what this tournament was about, it sounded like this school year was going to be full of excitement. Karen wondered what Nikholas' former classmates were like, what their uniforms looked like. Then her thoughts shifted to the Beauxbatons, whom she had heard very little about. She felt a chill of excitement overcome her as she bent down to receive her trunk. After she grabbed it, she sat back down again, almost unable to stay still. Michael entered the room and sat next to Karen, "Soooo," He said grinning, "Is he your boyfriend or something? Wouldn't want you dating a Slytherin, Karen." Karen blinked at her brother in annoyance, "Of course not, he is my friend! Besides, we have only just met." Karen said, rolling her eyes, as Michael jumped up and walked out of the compartment snickering. What was that all about? She saw him talking animatedly to the girls. "Sorry about that," She said to Nikholas, "He completely changes when he is with his friends." She laughed, feeling slightly embarassed. The train had finally slowed down to a crawl. It seemed to take forever before the train finally came to a full stop. When it did, Karen jumped out of her seat and placed a grip on the handle of her trunk, "You ready?" Ginny asked Nikholas, gathering her things together. Outside the compartment, all chaos had broke loose. Everyone was lined up to exit the train, Karen had usually waited for the majority of people to get off before she left her compartment. But everything had changed, for she was not feeling up to waiting another five minutes. She opened the compartment door and watched as people hurriedly walked down the hallway.

Nikholas rose an eyebrow in confusion when he heard that something of this sort probably would have happened anyways, now taking into consideration how deeply rooted the houses' rivalry must be. He honestly hadn't exactly expected confrontations to be that bad. All he could muster to reply was a surprised, "Oh." Nikholas also took care to notice that the Slytherins in both cases seemed to start it, frowning a bit again as he thought about living around the horrid lot of hot heads. Again he brushed that thought off quickly. He could take care of himself. A slow smile spread over Nikholas' face at Karen's words, but he wasn't quite sure how to respond, at first, having been caught off guard. "It's.. been nice talking to you two, as well." He let out a small laugh, "After being placed in Slytherin, I really didn't think that I'd be talking to any Gryfindors." Nikholas then smiled again, at both Ginny and Karen. He didn't think he'd be treated this kindly by anyone her, except perhaps his cousin, simply because of his house. Much to his relief, he'd been wrong.

Nikholas smiled, amused, when Karen nearly fell over from lack of balance, but tried to act as if he hadn't seen anything. Excitement again began to rise within him as the train slowed further, following the suggestion and slid his somewhat small trunk out from under his seat, remaining seated as he watched the boy Karen claimed to be her brother walk in. He could do nothing in reply except for widen his eyes a bit in surprise, blinking a couple of times, utterly surprised by his question. He had only just met Karen, how could he be expected to be her boyfriend? That was simply a silly question, not that he really minded. Once Michael left, he let out a small, almost embarrassed laugh, "It's alright, I can understand that." Some guys were simply like that, he couldn't possibly blame Karen for that. His hearing did, though, pick up a certain word she had used. Friend. He smiled at this thought, fancying that he may have just made two friends, though he did not know them well yet. Still, the thought made him glad. When the train had finally stopped, Nikholas was quickly out of his seat as well, one hand taking his trunk, his broom tucked securely between his forearm and chest. He would open their compartment door, looking uncertain about simply hopping into the mess of students crowding the hallways to get out. Nikholas had planned to leave with Kayla, but he soon spotted he already off down the hallway with her group of friends. Ah well. In any case, he stood aside for the two girls, his head bowed slightly in their direction, hand gesturing towards the compartment door. "Ladies first," he smiled politely. Nikholas had learned his mannerisms from Durmstrang, where the Bulgarian accent, bowing to show respect, and a bit of chivalry was quite normal. He wasn't sure if this was normal for Hogwarts boys, but he didn't intend to try to change the way he acted nevertheless.

Karen smiled when he spoke about not talking to Gryfindors because of the house he was in, I didn't think he would either when he first told me he was in Slytherin. But she found herself realizing how different she felt towards that now. He wouldn't have any trouble at all fitting in, and she was sure having his former classmates at Hogwarts this year would make things that much easier for him as well. Karen smiled slightly as Nikholas commented on Michael. Michael should have known better, although she wasn't entirely surprised now that she thought of it. Karen stood flabbergasted by the amount of people that were flooding the hallways. How on earth would they get past them? A look of surprise crossed her face as Nikholas opened the compartment door, the sound of student's loud voices hit her right in the face and she backed away from the door, now wondering if she should instead wait. There's no rush. But that wasn't true, she wanted to get out of the train so bad it was killing her. Karen looked from Ginny to Nikholas and shrugged not knowing exactly what to do. It took Karen a moment to react to Nikholas' words. Ladies first? She couldn't help but smile. She had never heard someone so polite, and least no one at Hogwarts. She sighed still smiling, and let out a quiet, "Alright, then." With that, she cleared her throat, "Excuse me." She said, she was addressing what it looked to be a first year girl. She appeared rather intimidated, so Karen spoke quickly and kindly. "Do you mind letting us three get through?" The girl nodded her head quickly and made a space for the three of them. Karen and Ginny walked out of the compartment and into the hallway.

Once out side Karen took in the fresh air that now surrounded her. She closed her eyes briefly enjoying it, having moments ago felt overwhelmingly claustrophobic. She looked around, students were scattering all over the place. She heard Hagrid's loud booming voice over everyone calling for the first years to follow him. She smiled, as the memory passed her once again of her first day at Hogwarts.They would be getting to Hogwarts by boat, gliding across the Black Lake, after that they would get sorted. Aside from the first years, everyone else was heading to the cairages that would carry them off to the Hogwarts castle. Karen looked around and saw Ginny. "Should we wait for Nikholas?" Ginny asked. Karen nodded slightly, yet unsure. Maybe he would want to look for his friends from Durmstrang to guide him to the carriages. In the long run, they ended up waiting by the entrance of the train. Karen looked up at the sky and blinked as a drop of rain hit her face. She looked at Ginny, "I do hope it doesn't pour on our first night back." She thought of the ride up to Hogwarts, and didn't fancy the thought of being drenched.

Nikholas would keep his head bowed slightly downwards until both ladies left the compartment, smiling politely and bowing his head once towards the first year girl who had let them pass in front of her. He would exit the train directly after Ginny and Karen, but something surrounding the massive group exiting the train caught his eye in the crowd- or rather, somethings. Durmstrang students were grouped along the edges of the Hogwarts students, not intermingling, speaking quietly amongst eachother as their headmaster spoke. Nikholas' face immediately lit up, approaching a few of the Durmstrang guys and starting a brief conversation with a small cluster of his friends from that school. They spoke of Nikholas' experiences thus far, of what little new information Karkaroff had given them, and of course, of Durmstrang's voyage to Hogwarts via the lake that the first years already had prepped with boats bobbing together smoothly on the water's darkened surface. After a minute or so, however, the boys would stiffly bow their heads towards one another in a farewell, Nikholas smiling brightly now as his gaze quickly scanned the cloak-clad crowd for Ginny and/or Karen. While searching, a few light drops of water hit him, causing him to look up with a grin. He really didn't mind rain, he actually enjoyed it, but didn't fancy the idea of being completely soaked later when entering the castle. Oh, entering the castle... Nikholas could've sworn he was dreaming by now, he was so very excited, but he contained that extreme emotion well.

Soon enough, Nikholas caught sight of Ginny and Karen, waiting by the carriages that were carrying off students down a trail to Hogwarts. He looked at the carriages curiously for a moment before looking over at the two girls again. Half of him wondered who or what they were waiting for, be it other friends or just for the sake of making conversation, and he questioned whether or not he should evn approach them right now. Nikholas, then smiling, made the decision to do so. He'd walk over to them, smiling, looking up at the sky once more at Karen's comment, which he had happened to catch. Nikholas didn't reply to it, not wishing to feel like he was interrupting, "Sorry about that, I ran into a few old friends." He smiled a bit at this, briefly wondering about the possibility of introducing them later. Maybe. Then, looking over at the carriages, then at both Ginny and Karen, "Are you two waiting for anyone in particular?"

Karen shivered for a moment as a couple more drops hit her face. She observed the big black carriage that her and Ginny stood in front of, which appeared to be getting pulled by nothing. It was large enough to easily fit a group of six students. A headlamp was attached to the front of each of them. Karen watched as several groups of students got hopped on to the carriages and took off, some giving her curious looks wondering why they hadn't got on yet. Ginny had waved of a good few of her friends, including her brother Ron Weasley who was accompanied by Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. All three of which Karen greeted enthusiastically. Karen had half the mind to jump in the carriage with them but decided not to. Right as Karen let her comment out about the rain, Nikholas appeared before them. Karen got a quick glimpse a group of people a ways behind him that wore different uniforms. They seemed huddled up as if discussing something. She quickly lost them as a big crowd of students blocked her view. Karen's eyes found Nikholas again and grinned, "Hello." Karen said cheerfully, "We were waiting for you, of course." She added. Ginny waved at him smiling "Where those students from Durmstrang?" Ginny asked pointing in the general direction of which they had appeared in the crowd. Karen waited for another group of students to get pulled away by the horseless carriages before hopping onto the next available one. After a couple moments, the small drops of rain every few minutes turned into a light sprinkle Karen looked up at the sky again. She couldn't deny that the light sprinkles felt nice hitting her face, but she couldn't help but sense the threat of that nice sprinkle becoming something more. Before she could make another comment on the rain however, a hood magically appeared over all the carriages. As did it always on such circumstances like this. Karen laughed, she had completely forgotten about this luxury.

She gazed up at the school, the carriage started moving steadily and the rain now pounding on the hood. Karen turned her head and squinted through the darkness trying to get a glimpse of the enormous castle, but much to her disappointment the rain seemed to have been washing everything out of view. Nothing could be seen except for trees that fairly close to them being illuminated by what little light the carriage's headlamp gave off. She her head back and smiled, "Well, we finally got of the train." She said, the realization had struck her that she was on her last few minutes before she entered the school. She had the sudden desire to jump out of the carriage, which was moving too slowly for her liking, and sprint all the way to the castles doors. Ginny agreed with Karen and said, "It took long enough, didn't it?" She then turned around and tried to focus her eyes as well, only to turn around with a look of discontent.

Nikholas' smile stayed in place, though he was a bit taken back by Karen's comment, appreciating the fact that they had waited for him. Chances are, he would've had to ride with a small group of strangers, beacuse Durmstrang was to enter seperately. Why, he didn't know for sure, but he had a pretty good idea. Showing off, he mused. Why else? Then, replying to Karen and Ginny, "Oh! Well, sorry if I caused a hold up. Yes, those are the students from Durmstrang, I... believe they're entering separately." He was still unsure of why, though he had his own idea, so his voice was somewhat questioning as he said this. As their carriage took off, Nikholas popped his head out of the carriage to wave off a few friends that were nearby, one that would be recognized to be Viktor Krum. Well-known as he may be, Viktor was keeping himself separated from the Hogwarts students for the time being, talking only with those he associated with within his group of schoolmates.

Nikholas felt the occasional drops of water pick up until it was going steady, thankful and pleasantly surprised when the carriages' hoods appeared. So he would not enter the castle soaking wet, after all. He let out a small chuckle at Ginny and Karen's comments, not adding on to it himself. He was preoccupied staring up at the large mass of shadow before them, his eyes desperately trying, but failing, to distinguish the features of the Hogwarts castle in this poor lighting. This was a bit disappointing, not being able to see the castle before entering, but he simply decided upon taking a stroll outside to look at it tomorrow, when he could actually see. A thought then occured to him, being that he had no idea what to expect of tonight. Would there be classes, time to settle, dinner, perhaps? Now that he thought about it, Nikholas' hunger was growing the littlest bit, but that wasn't anything that worried him quite yet. Curious, Nikholas finally asked, "What, um... What should I expect tonight? What is usually done on the first night here?" He was aware that the first years were to be sorted when they arrived, but was that seperate or what? When would Durmstrang and Beauxbatons enter, and would they have a part in any kind of opening ceremony? So many thoughts came to him, his curious nature bubbling up with his excitement.

Karen smiled, "No, you didn't keep us waiting for long. Besides, we were able to catch up with some friends." Karen hadn't any problem with waiting for him. She said and then frowned a little, "I wonder why they're entering separately." She said, glancing at Ginny who shrugged. Karen couldn't wait to meet them, or at least see them in a closer setting. She sensed that she would know what part the two schools were playing in this 'tournament' tonight, or the following day. More questions flowed through her. Where would all these new students be sleeping? Would they be taking classes at Hogwarts? She didn't bother restating these questions out loud, for she knew that Nikholas and Ginny probably knew as much as she did. Karen noticed Nikholas peering out of the carriage at something as the carriage began to move. Curious, she took a glance but saw nothing but the crowd of students that had shrunk in size since she last looked.. After squinting her eyes, she took another go at her attempt to see the Hogwarts castle through the heavy rain, she could see the faintest light reflect through the rain and Karen could only assume that it came from Hogwarts. She turned around as Nikholas spoke then she nodded slowly, before she answered she couldn't help wondering if the same opening tradition would apply to this year. "Well, what usually happens is that all students second year and up get situated in the Hogwarts Dinning Hall and wait for the first years to enter." She paused with a long sigh, "There are four long tables representing each of the houses..You will have to sit with your house unless I'm wrong." She said with an apologetic look on her face, she hoped he wouldn't have to sit anywhere near Malfoy and friends. "The first years will then get called up to get sorted by the sorting hat, and after that..." Karen was stumped, she really didn't know what would happen next. The usual would be for the Dumbledore to say a few words and and with a simple clap of his hands a huge variety of food would appear on the tables. So Karen went on and explained the feast to Nikholas, Ginny adding in a couple things here and there. "Well, I'm not entirely sure if tonight will follow through with the traditions or not..." She was only one hundred percent positive on the first years sorting ceremony, really.

After Karen finished explaining, she turned around once more. She saw the distinct shadows of students jumping off carriages shielding themselves with their cloaks while running to cover. She grinned, "I believe we're nearly there." She said, her head getting soaked by the rain, but she didn't care at the moment. In a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds, they would be getting off the carriages and walking into the castle. The thought of just setting foot inside the castle again, after a long summer, made her heart race wildly. How she longed to talk to her friends again, and to taste the delicious food. She even looked forward to the classes (though not as much the homework). She also realized once classes started up, fifth years would be preparing for their OWL exams. But not even for a brief second would she let the thought of exams ruin her first day back. She took in a deep breath to calm her herself and then put her head back inside the carriage. She ringed her long brown hair out with her hands and sighed; it would be a complete mess when it dried. "So when do you plan on asking Dumbledore to switch houses?" Ginny asked, she looked at him clearly hoping that he wouldn't remain in Slytherin too long.

Nikholas smiled and nodded as he heard he hadn't been hard to wait for, glad not to have been a burden. "Alright, that's good to hear." He had been seeing to a few of his friends as well, so that had worked out rather well in his head. He was very disappointed that they couldn't enter together, having missed his friends dearly over the summer. Nikholas had been able to see them over the past months, but not for as long as he would have liked. He fit in rather well with the Durmstrang group, though he was not wearing their formal brown uniform anymore. Appearance-wise Nikholas had the deep brown hair, slightly tanned skin, and somewhat muscular build typical to most of the guys from that school, and he remembered his manners as well as they. So far, he had seen individuals like this at Hogwarts, but there was a much wider variety at this school, including members of the opposite sex. He wondered about Beauxbatons for a moment, what the students belonging to the school were like, and whether they had a stereotype as well. Either way, Nikholas couldn't wait to meet people from that school as well. He then listened to what Karen had to say, not quite happy about having to sit with his own lot, but face lighting up a bit nevertheless. The evening sounded like it would be quite splendid, even if he were to sit with the other Slytherins. He would smile as she finished, trying to picture this in his head as he replied, "That sounds... nice." He'd let out a small laugh, remembering that something somewhat similar was done at Durmstrang, with the exception of having four separate tables. One could have sat wherever they wished. Typical of opening ceremonies, he supposed.

Nikholas' hair was quite wet already, having stuck his head out to wave off his friends. This wouldn't have any horrid effect later, though, because it was only an inch or so long, and he wore it somewhat sloppily. Nevertheless, it was typical for a guy of his age, and it fit his look well. He smiled a bit as he realized Karen's hair had also been drenched, surprised not to hear any complaining about it, as he assumed most girls would have. Nikholas took a moment to think about Ginny's question, still not quite sure about it himself. He would hate to bother the headmaster on the first day, but he did want to talk about switching rather quickly. "I suppose tomorrow sometime, if he isn't too busy." Then he added, "If it's possible." Nikholas sincerely hoped it to be so, even if he were made to do something to prove it, he would.