“Activities director? How awesome!” Flora said to Zoe. “That means we’ll be having lots of fun then. I’ve been doing fine. It was a real surprise to get the invitation for this event and I’m looking forward to it.” As everyone’s attention seemed to go to Drew and his horse, she shook her head and playfully nudged her cousin. “Show off,” she teased. “Now that all eyes are on you, let’s see how well you do.” She knew that her cousin loved animals and most especially equines and the fact that he could talk about them would help, but Drew still had a bit of his natural shyness inside too when it came to being the center of attention.

Drew laughed merrily at Zoe’s comment about his hair. “Well you know that they say people and their pets tend to look alike at times,” he grinned. “I wouldn’t mind having the hair of some of the horses I’ve seen, though I don’t consider them my pets. They’re my friends and I don’t really own them, especially not the latest one.” He glanced over at the Aethonan. He was about to suggest Zoe come and meet the horse when he noticed Mallowsweet and the new girl and boy inching toward the winged animal. With a smile Drew said, “Come on, Zoe…you too, Flora. I’ll introduce everyone…and maybe I can find out who our new students are too.”

He made his way the few feet back to where the horse was standing, looking around and inhaling gently as though to take in all the scents and sights. Resting a hand lightly on the animal’s neck, Drew smiled and whispered softly to his equine friend before turning to the group. “This is Zephyr,” he said. “She’s the daughter of Titan, the main stallion at the winged horse facility where I worked last summer and was planning to again this summer until I got the event invitation. I was helping train Zephyr last year and as a surprise, my folks made arrangements to buy her for my sixteenth birthday, even though it was months after my birthday that I got her. Talk about a surprise!! I had no idea until I went to report for work the first day and the manager told me. Mum and Dad and Bridget had all apparated to the facility to be there and see my reaction. Dad said that this is the wizarding equivalent of giving me a car when I turn sixteen,” Drew laughed.

Zephyr blew out a soft breath and stretched her nose out to nuzzle at Drew’s shoulder. With a grin, he stroked her nose and said, “You can all come and say hi. She’s fine with meeting people as long as you don’t make any sudden moves or pull on her wings. Just go easy and introduce yourself and let her get your scent like you would with any horse. Of course treats are always welcome,” he grinned, “but she’ll accept your admiration too.”

Flora smiled as she went along with the others to view her cousin’s horse. She had heard about the surprise present and knew that Drew would be over the moon. Looking at the girl who seemed to be her age, she smiled and said, “Hi, I’m Flora. I see Drew’s not the only one with a special friend.” She nodded toward the girl’s service dog, but refrained from petting him as the harness proclaimed he was on the job and shouldn’t be distracted.

and all ♥

Seb stepped forward and happily shook the centaur’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you too. Er, I didn’t mean to bring up any sad feelings.” Tilting his head slightly, mentally noting how unusual it was to stand beside someone so tall. “Abroad? Right, I’m from Egypt. Interim International Study, or something like that.” He grinned guiltily for not knowing the exact phrasing and gave a slight shrug. “I attend the Alexandrian Academy for the Arcane Arts.” Before anymore could be said both his attention and physical body was turned by the arrival of another presumably student. The way Mallowsweet had exclaimed aethonan looking skyward Seb expected to see a rare bird. Catching the visual pair on their descent his initial thought was not far off.

“I’ve seen a lot of things, but the biodiversity at this school is incredible…” He closed his mouth for fear of it hanging open too long and waved a friendly greeting to the newly arrived boy and his incredible winged horse. Realizing now that more students were present Seb was feeling energized. Maybe later after introductions someone would humor him in a race or even agree to go for a swim. If not a person, perhaps one of their pets. There were an awful lot of pets here but he had expected that since coming to visit during the Triwizard Tournament.

Bright pink darted across their freckled cheeks from Blade's nudge and comment. "I can't help it... I love being in water." They teased back a bit, and silently prayed rhat Blade wouldn't mention their home hobbies to anyone else. Toru blinked a bit when they heard a commotion from back at camp. It seemed more students had arrived, and one on a flying horse! They hadn't really seen a pegasus before up close since they weren't old enough to be in the Care of Magical Creature classes full time. "Ooh!" They excitedly exclaimed before moving to stand. "Wanna come with me, Blade?" They asked softly before sliding their shoes back on.

Blade saw the girl with the giant dog arrive from his spot on the lake’s dock. He wasn’t overly fond of dogs to be honest. Too clingy with no respect for personal space—sniffing in crotches and licking everything, ugh, no thanks. And that was a big, big dog. It could probably knock that little tiny girl with her own dog over. The teen shrugged. Not his problem. “I had noticed,” Blade said with a droll tone to his new sibling. He was away from the throng enough at the moment and was happy about that. Of course, he was curious if that Aethonan would communicate with him in his thestral form, but he wasn’t about to test that out just yet. For starters he didn’t want those who could see him trying to pet him. Luckily most people didn’t care for thestrals since they were considered death omens and other such nonsense. He really was lucky at getting a pretty perfect animagi form. Then Toru spoke and Blade’s thoughts of blissful self-induced isolation came crashing to a halt. He frowned slightly. “I suppose. You know, we could slip into the copse of trees, I shift and you could ride on me to get over there. Think of it for the poor saps who can’t see my form. You’d be hovering. And those who could see would see you on what people think of as a demon horse. Either way, it’d beat that flying horse entrance.” He chuckled at the image. It was also a good way to avoid talking to people so the plan did have some merit.

“Aye. Ye can imagine how excited I was,” Zoe said to Flora. “Yeah it is a pretty neat idea is it nee? Hope ye have fun.” Then she laughed at Drew’s reply. “Well, if ye start getting offered hay and oats, ye may decide ye’re flaunting that line a little too closely.” She winked. “But I’m sure I can find ye a feed bag. Hm, aye. I use the word pet for people but really my animals are my friends and I love ‘em.”

How could she say no to greeting the horse?! Zoe dutifully followed and ooh again. “She’s so beautiful. What a wonderful gift!” She reached her hand out to let the horse sniff her. “Will ye let me pet ye? I do nee think I’ve got any treats ye’d like…”

Lily was entranced on Drew’s story as she watched the horse move. He sounded American. The horse was so graceful. She realised the pink girl was talking to her. “H-hi,” she said with her American accent. I’m Lily.” She blushed at little at her dog being pointed out. “Oh yeah, this is Marko. He’s a seizure response dog. You can pet him though. His harness is really only for public. I will probably take it off once I find a tent. He’ll do his job with or without it.” Her eyes looked violent in the sun’s brightness. “This is Kuzco,” she said petting the white silkie chicken popping out of her bag. “She was my birthday gift last month.” She shyly fidgeted a little.

Drew had grinned at Zoe’s teasing and said, “Well as long as the oats were in oatmeal cookies, I’d be okay with it. And thanks for making sure I’ll be taken of, Zoe.”

As Zoe offered her hand, Zephyr sniffed it and then blew on it gently. Finding no treats available, she lowered her head and lightly poked the girl in the chest, rubbing her head up and down, clearly asking to be petted since she had been denied treats.

Smiling at Zephyr and Zoe, Drew said, “She might be just a tiny bit spoiled when it comes to treats and love. I’m just glad that she and Fleet are getting along so well, though he’s likely to get jealous this time since I was able to bring Zephyr with me and not him. Still it took a LOT of paperwork and promising and pretty much signing in blood to be able to bring her. And I was only allowed to fly on her from Hogsmeade to the school. Now that we’re here though,” he grinned impishly, “I can ride her whenever. I can’t wait to introduce her to the thestrals.” Then realizing what he’d said, Drew tried to backtrack, “I mean…if I see one you know. Not that I’d be in the Forbidden Forest or anything.” He flushed and closed his mouth before he walked into anymore trouble.

“Hi, Lily. It’s nice to meet you,” Flora smiled. “Is this your first term? I’ve only been here for one term myself. I haven’t found a tent yet either. If they’re not assigned and we get to pick, do you want to share one?” She knelt and held out a hand to the dog when Lily declared it to be alright. “Hi there, Marko,” she said with a smile. “So you’re a good boy and help Lily no matter what, hmm?” Looking up at the comment about the birthday present, Flora saw the chicken and exclaimed, “Oh how neat! I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who had a chicken friend. Kuzco is an interesting name.”

Tamara watched with everyone else as the winged horse touched down and the person riding it dismounted. Talk about style! They were obviously doing it to show off, but it worked, so she couldn't really fault them. However she was not about to join the throng of people crowding around, it was way to crowded and she didn't like horses that much. Instead she settled Glam Rock on her shoulder and wandered off in the other direction.

After a bit she came across another person by a tent on the shore of the lake, cooking something over a fire that smelled delicious. A gorgeous, giant dog stood in the lake nearby. The person had another one of those school t-shirts, maybe there was a school vendor? Might be good to get one and cut it up in fun ways. Anyway.

'Hey,' she said as she approached the other person's space. She could keep walking if they weren't in the mood for conversation.

(( sorry, forgot to ping))

“What’s a cookie?” Zoe asked unfamiliar with the term. Now that the horse signalled her approval, Zoe eagerly gave Zephyr pets. “Ye’re a sweet thing are ye nee? Aww who could not spoil this beauty.” She rubbed her face on the horse’s cheek. “I would love a horse but probably nee going to happen right now.” She gave him a knowing smile when he mentioned the thestrals. “Ye are nee as sneaky as ye think, Drew,” she simply said. The Ravenclaw tower was one of the three highest spots of Hogwarts and Zoe hadn’t had a lot of friends. She often people watched and imagined their comings and goings. The tower gave her lots of chance of watching rule breakers too. When she was Head Girl, she still didn’t tell anyone she watched them. Then she added, “But if I catch ye sneaking off this trip, I’ll have to intervene. And remember there are other more… er, strict members of staff about. But if yer talents are all I’ve heard about, surely ye can call them to ye without putting yer foot on prohibited areas.”

Lily nodded. “I just turned 11 on the 5th of July,” she said. “We had just moved here when suddenly strange people were at our hotel telling me that I was a witch. We are still in the hotel too. Dad says we’re gonna live off base and he and mom are looking for a place with a horse ranch nearby. Then they’ll get me a horse to ride. I was riding a competition horse we rented in America, so having my own would be amazing.” The offer of shared quarters was a blessing. Maybe they’d be great friends? “Oh yes that’d be great!” Marko sniffed her hand and wagged his tail waiting for the petting. “He likes ya.” The girl blushed shyly. “Oh well… see I love, love birds. And I named her Kuzco after my favourite movie, The Emperor’s New Groove. It’s about this prince that gets turned into a llama and silkie chickens look like teeny llamas.” She grinned. “She’s really sweet though. Loves being petted and bathed. She’s so soft too. There’s special food colouring I can use to dye her feather’s different colours too. My parents are looking for a black or blue one as the other part of my gift since they prefer having a friend with them. If they find her, they are going to send her to me by owl mail. Can you believe it? Owls delivering mail. How weird. I also got a guide to the UK birds and some cool bird watching supplies.” She blushed realising she was talking a lot now.

Toru gently rolled their hazel eyes and chuckled. "I can't see y-you when you're a-a t-thestral, so mounting y-you would be a l-literal nightmare," they shrugged their black and orange freckled shoulders and smiled. "M-Maybe tomorrow as we h-have already m-made an enterance?"

They approached the students and spotted other students around their age and a new young man who they had definitely never seen before. A moment of shyness crept up on them but they quickly pushed it down and smiled gently at Lily and Flora. "I-I like y-your chicken..." The Hufflepuff commented shyly and offered a hand to shake. "I-I'm Toru, a s-second year Hufflepuff."

"You could splash a bit of water on me and see where drips come down," Blade retorted. "Fine... let's go." He followed reluctantly.

Blade simply nodded to the group. He didn't really know most of them. Seen them around but that was about it.

When Toru spoke to her, Lily beamed. "Thank you. Her name is Kuzco and she's really soft if you wanna pet her. I like your hair. It reminds me of koi fish and I like koi fish." She blushed shyly and added, "I'm Lily. New to Hogwarts." She shook Toru's hand. "Whose your friend?" She pointed at Blade.

"Blade," he said simply. "Toru's brother." He had a little smirk on his face when the girl said she liked fish. Both of them liked fish too.

“Oh, sorry, I still forget sometimes the different terminology,” Drew said. “A cookie is like a biscuit. The oatmeal ones that Mum makes are really good, especially when they’re warm and chewy. I’ll have to get her to send some and maybe we can do a warming spell and make them like fresh made. I’m not much of a cook or I’d offer to make some for you to try but they’d likely be more like a small paving stone than a biscuit.” He grinned.

Drew blushed and the blush grew more and more pronounced the longer Zoe talked about sneaking around. He’d known that she would have to report him if she knew about it this time, which was one reason he’d tried to withdraw his statement earlier once it hit him that Zoe was now more than just another student. It was the mention of his talents that really had Drew blushing the most and he ducked his head slightly, the old shyness returning. “You’re right,” he said, glancing up. “I could always stay in places we’re allowed and call them. If they’re close enough they would hear and respond.”

“I was 12 in March,” Flora smiled. She listened but didn’t really understand a lot of the first part of Lily’s explanation. “Base?” she asked, puzzled and then her eyes widened. “You poor thing! I bet it was scary for you to find out that way and in a public place. I’ve known all my life that I was a witch, being pureblood and all and Drew knew too since he’s half blood. That means his Mum, my Dad’s sister, is a witch, but his Dad is a Muggle. There are several other Muggle borns here so you’re not the only one. But don’t worry, they’re just words and don’t change who a person is inside. No one, not even most of us Slytherins, is that fussed over blood ties anymore.”

She smiled at the rest of Lily’s ramblings though. “A horse ranch? Drew will love that! They had one in the States before they moved back here. Now they just have a manor house with stables…which are pretty full,” she laughed. "We have horses too at our place though it's not a ranch."

As Marko wagged and mutely begged for petting, Flora responded by stoking his head and praising him, telling him how handsome he was. Then she smiled up at Lily and said, “I have a cat, a horse, and an owl. And yes it seems strange at first to have owls delivering mail. Just wait till you see them all fly into the Great Hall to bring letters and packages! It’s just as much fun to see all the different kinds of owls as it is to get mail. We can walk in the gardens and bird watch too and I can collect plants for Herbology which is one of my favorite classes,” Flora shared.

Standing upright after playing with Marko, she smiled and really took a look at the chicken. “She’s lovely,” she said and laughed when she heard that Kuzco loved baths. “She’s definitely a girl then. A boy probably wouldn’t care if he had baths and looked nice. That’s really cool that you can change her color. I use charms on my hair to do that. I bet you could do that with Kuzco too when you learn how. I’ve never seen the movie you mentioned or a llama, but your Kuzco does look really soft. May I pet her?”

As Toru and Blade came over, Flora smiled politely and said, “Hi.” She wasn’t really acquainted with either of them though she had seen them during her first term.

Toru smiled brightly when Lily mentioned their hair. The natural try color was inherited from their mother and grandfather and was always very proud of it. "M-My family is-is from Japan a-and I love koi fish... a-and all fish in g-general." They babbled shyly. The chicken looked so fluffy like a little white cloud, but Toru would politely wait for Flora to finish before they took their turn. "D-Do you k-know what h-house you'll b-be in? I-I'm in H-Hufflepuff with B-Blade a-and Flora mentioned s-she is in Slytherin. T-There are two o-other houses t-too!"

“OH! Okay, I see. I’m not a fan of oatmeal biscuits myself, so I’d be happy to be on the lookout for some for you. And thanks for the offer to make some, but paving stones don’t sound too appetising,” Zoe said cutely. “Now if your Mum makes anything laced with chocolate, I’m totally in for munching away by the fire.”

Zoe noticed the blush, but said nothing. She’d didn’t want to harp on it. “Aye, rumour around here says yer talent is pretty impressive.”

“How come you only had one term then?” Lily asked. “Or do English schools work differently?” She blushed when Flora asked about the base. “Oh, sorry, I mean the military base. Dad’s a pilot with the US military. My Mom’s a nurse. She’s looking for work at hospitals. It was confusing for sure. I mean seeing people arrive strangely dressed when I’m in my pjs eating Corn Pops is definitely a different way of discovering my life was changing even more than we thought. Muggle?” she asked cocking her head. “You mean someone without magic? What’s a Slytherin?”

Marko seemed pleased at the attention. “Ooh you do? That’s awesome! I love horses as much as birds. I never thought of owning an owl before. Maybe I can get one as a pet one day too.” It seemed handy if that’s how people got mail. Plus…bird! “I hope we find a property near a ranch, but I guess we’ll see. But having a stable on your property sounds better!” The talk of the owl mail sounded magical. “I love the sound of that plan. I think I might enjoy the herbology class.” The girl’s eyes widened excitedly. “Colour changing with magic would be epic! I’ll have to learn! I’d love to show you the movie, but my parents won’t let me watch things on my cell phone. Lights can trigger seizures, you see, so they worry with the movies being closer to my eyes that I’ll be triggered. Of course you’re welcome to pet her. She’s really friendly.”

“Hi,” Blade replied back. The flying horse boy seemed preoccupied.

“I’ve never been to Japan, but I’ve read a lot about it. But… your brother doesn’t really… you know… look Japanese,” Lily pointed out. “Koi fish are so beautiful and graceful.” She was glad she didn’t offend the girl. “No. I wasn’t assigned one yet.” She thought they just randomly picked people to go in each house. “I’ve never been to a school that has houses or boarding. It’s all sorts of new. Is it common for siblings to get picked to be in the same house?” She gave a shy smile to the two girls since the boy was more or less just standing there breathing. Maybe he was even shyer than his little sister? “You girls wanna swim or canoe or something?” she asked. She finally was able to pet Drew’s horse now that Zoe had moved away. “Oh she’s so soft. Can I touch the wing or would it hurt her?”

Drew laughed. “Mum makes plenty of stuff with chocolate. Our whole family has a sweet tooth. I’ll share when she sends a package,” he promised with a smile. Then he added, “You know they say you shouldn’t believe rumors too much, Zoe.” He gave her a wink and then glanced over to where two more students had joined Flora and the new girl and smiled. It was nice to see Flora making friends and apparently the girls were really getting along judging by the chattering they were doing.

“It’s something to do with my birthday being when it is,” Flora said with a slight shrug. “Having a dad who flies sounds neat. Does he do secret missions? My dad works for the Ministry of Magic, but not in anything glamorous or cool like being an auror…um, that’s like the magical police force. Dad works in the Department of Magical Transportation in the Apparition Test Center. Apparition is one of the ways witches and wizards travel,” she explained. “It’s hard to really explain but it’s like going from one spot to another in the blink of an eye. But you have to be very careful and it takes lots of practice, so Dad helps give tests to make sure that people know what they’re doing so that they don’t get hurt.” Flora was finding it a little challenging to explain things to Lily, but it was fun too. She then launched into something that she knew a bit more about. “Slytherin is one of the four houses of Hogwarts. Each house is named after one of the four original founders…Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, Godric Gryffindor, and Helga Hufflepuff. Each house has its own colors and characteristics and animal mascot. At the beginning of the regular terms we get sorted into our house. The Sorting Hat, which is this raggedy old thing, is put on our heads and supposedly it can read our minds and know our personalities through the magical spell on it. You get sorted your first term and then you’re a part of that house from then on. Each house has a certain section of the castle that’s their dormitory, like the Slytherins have the dungeons…which is not as bad as you might think. We can actually see out into the lake from underwater windows and sometimes the giant squid swims by. One reason you probably haven’t been sorted yet is because this isn’t like a regular term. This time it doesn’t really matter what house you’re in because our points are going to the team we’re supporting instead of to our house. Oh and yes, Muggles are people without magic.”

She paused briefly and grinned as she gently stroked Kuzco. “Oh, she’s so soft! It’s like petting a plush toy. And I can help you learn color changing charms. We can have so much fun!” Biting her lip slightly, Flora nodded at the explanation about seizures and cell phones. She hoped that nothing would happen to Lily during the event but Flora decided she needed to study and learn more about how to help her new friend just in case.

When Toru mentioned Japan, Flora asked, “So are you going to cheer for the Japanese team? I know that Drew’s not really into Quidditch, but he will probably root for Greece because of all the myths and legends. He loves that sort of thing. Which team are you going to support, Lily?” As she was talking, Flora moved closer to Drew, Zoe, and Zephyr along with Lily and Toru.

As the little group moved closer, Drew smiled, “Who’s your new friend, Flora?” he asked. Then nodding at Lily he said, “If you’re very gentle and make sure to stroke the feathers in the direction they grow, like you would with a bird. It won’t hurt her, but overall winged horses don’t like their wings bothered much. I’m Drew Wilder by the way. Welcome to Hogwarts,” he said, his voice now a mix of the American he’d grown up with and a hint of British accent beginning.

Ylva had just stripped the rabbits of its coat and impaled them on a skewer above the fire. She never liked cooking at home. But this was her thing. She flavored the rabbit with her own mixture of herbs. All her dried herbs decorated the entrance of her tent among which rosemary, thyme, dill, sage,... She never was good with keeping plants alive but last year she did brilliantly in herbology (by her surprise). She is more the "Care for magical creatures"- type or the boring "Ancient Runes"- student.

She noticed someone her way. Well, not directly towards her. That would feel a lot more offensive then now. "Hi" Ylva responded and smiled back gently. Magnus raised his head as he heard Ylva talk. He approached happily with long strides and sniffed her closed hand unabashedly. He's the definition of a Gentle Giant, but don't try to hurt his pack. "Would you like to join us?" Ylva asked as she tried to be more social. She would have way too much anyway since Magnus got the organs.

Toru's face went bright red at Lily referring to them as a girl and gently mumbled. "I-I prefer g-gender neutral p-pronouns and nouns..." They gently fidgeted with one of the ruffles on their shirt nervously since some people didn't get their choice and it could get complicated explaining it. "But I w-wouldn't m-mind swimming. W-We would need to g-get you both e-extra wet suits from t-the swim team in-room though." Toru began rambling. "I-I would a-also make s-sure you stay w-with a witch or-or wizard w-while swimming too..." they trailed off thinking about the more unfriendly things that called the lake home. "J-Just in case."

Flora's question snapped them out of their thoughts and a smile returned. "A-Actually I'm trying n-new things t-this summer and I at-will also b-be rooting for G-Greace!" Toru waited patiently to admire the giant winged horse that originated from the country they had chosen to support. "I-I have s-some very d-distant cousins i-in Greece t-too."

“Great, then I’ll help make sure to keep ye thinner by lightening the amount of goodies ye have,” Zoe joked. “Well, maybe. But also rumours can be very… enlightening.”

“Oh I see,” Lily said. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that! They do that in America too. I’m in the summer so it’s never really affected me.” She nodded. “Oh yes, he does. He gets a little swagger and cocky sometimes about things he can do when he talks about his job. I get to sometimes fly with him too. He says he’ll get his own plane when he retires.” She listened to Flora with fascination. “It sounds like an interesting job. But then again everything sounds interesting to me.” She listened intently about the houses. It sounded so cool. A magical hat putting you into your house—what next? “I wonder which house I’ll be in,” she said out loud.

“I would love to learn, so thank you.” Lily was far more relaxed now as she chatted with them. When asked what team she was rooting for, she smiled. “I’m going for Russia. I really don’t know anything about the teams so I just threw a dart and picked what it landed nearby.” She blushed at her method of selecting a team.

Blade was still loitering around with them but seeing as the little group wasn’t interacting with them he felt no need to speak. Maybe he looked intimidating? He would have to ponder this so he could keep up with it.

“I’m Lily,” the girl squeaked when Drew asked who she was. “I can understand that.” She petted the wings very gently. “It’s just like a bird,” she said with a mesmerised voice. “H-hi Drew. Thank you. A-are you American like me?”

“You do?” Lily asked Toru. She thought it was odd having never met someone who didn’t wish to be called a girl or boy. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.” However when Toru mentioned the wet suit, the girl’s heart sank. “Oh… uh… you guys can go without me. I’m not supposed to dive. It’s too dangerous for me.” She knew there was bound to be something she wouldn’t be able to join but so early was a blow.

Blade just stood there leaning slightly against a tree. It didn’t really bother him that they were not really noticing him or talking to him. He was amused at the talk of who each were rooting for. He casually looked at the Aethonan wishing he could try talking to it, but to do that he needed to be in his animagus form.

'Sure.' Tamara held out her hand to the giant dog, letting him sniff it before she attempted to pet him. After giving him a nice thorough scritch she approached the person by the fire. 'Whatcha cooking?' she asked as she took a seat in the dirt, taking a moment to make sure Glam Rock was still undisturbed on her shoulder (they were). She was moderately skilled at cooking from all the times she had been left home to sort out her own dinner and was only gaining under Allie's tutelage, which honestly surprised her. She was normally bad at things. However she didn't know enough about meats to be able to identify these cuts from sight, other than some sort of red meat. Smelled good though.

Flora had to giggle at Lily’s description of her father. “I think it’s just a dad thing. Or maybe just a guy thing since Drew does get a little cocky at times too. It’s really cool that you get to go with him sometimes. And wow! His own plane?!”

Laughing at her new friend’s comments, she said, “I think some of the things you’re used to are cool too. I know some about the Muggle world thanks to my uncle’s family, but it’s still so much fun to hear and learn about new things. And of course I’ll help you all I can. It’s what friends are for.”

When Lily mentioned which house she would be in, Flora looked thoughtful. “Hmm…I’m not sure what house. Hufflepuff is usually the calm and easygoing people, Slytherin is known for being ambitious, Ravenclaw are smart and bookish mostly, and Gryffindor are the brave daredevils. All the houses are loyal to each other though and for the most part they all get along well. It wasn’t always like that so it’s a good change.”

Flora grinned at Lily’s way of choosing a team and Drew, overhearing, spoke up. “Russia was a close second for me,” the young man said. “I love winter…always have. There’s just something about the beauty of a snow-covered forest and the diamond like sparkle of ice crystals. A blanket of softness wrapping everything in quiet peace just as snugly as a warm coat envelops your body. And to live in a place where you had that beauty almost all the time, even when it is rugged and dangerous, would be amazing.”

“Drew’s got a writer’s soul,” Flora mock whispered to Lily, her words causing her cousin to blush.

Quickly turning the attention from his love of reading and writing, Drew nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Lily. And yeah I’m from America. I was born and raised on a horse farm in Virginia until a couple of years ago. We moved back to Scotland when my grandfather, Mum’s dad, was gravely ill. When he passed on and left Mum the family house, we stayed here which for me was a dream come true because then I could attend Hogwarts and be in Slytherin which I’d always wanted to do.”

Finding out that Lily couldn’t go in the lake had Flora shaking her head. “I’m not much for swimming either. The lake is cold, even now. That’s the reason for the wet suits. We can explore what else they have set up for us here.” Looking at Zoe, she asked, “Any tips for entertainment, Zoe?”

Zephyr was enjoying all the attention and gently nuzzled those petting her. When Lily moved to her side and lightly stroked her wings, the horse turned her head and sniffed the air, her gaze going to Blade leaning against the tree. She whinnied and tossed her head as though nodding a greeting and blew softly in the young man’s direction. Drew gave his equine friend a curious look and glanced over at Blade. He didn’t recall ever officially meeting the other student, though he had seen him briefly during the last term. He wondered at Zephyr’s actions, as she normally greeted others of her kind in that manner. “Want to join us?” he invited Blade. “Zephyr would like to meet you.”

“Well I don’t have any siblings but the boys at school seem to swagger too so, I think guy thing maybe? Or just a certain type of person,” Lily said. After the explanation she thought about it. “I think I’d be a Ravenclaw or Gryffindor based on that maybe…”

When Drew went on his little winter scene Lily thought it sounded rather romantic. “I can see that,” she replied to Flora. She wasn’t sure how to reply. “I’m sorry about your grandpa. But glad you got your wish for Hogwarts.”

“I like swimming,” Lily said shyly. “Just can’t dive.” The idea of swimming had appealed to her.

“It’s nee cold to me,” Zoe said. “I like it. Did ye mean swimming deeper in the lake, Toru?” She thought she’d get clarification. “There’s lots of games… ye can canoe… flobberworm race, there’s an art station, some brooms for riding...”

“Er…okay… but Toru wants to pet her first,” Blade said making sure to include them.

"Rabbit. Caught this morning with my big hunter here" Ylva said as she patted Magnus' ass. The girl grabbed her wand and flicked it lightly. "Accio backpack". As she reached shoulderdeep into her small leather bag, she looked up at the person. "Is that a... Flobberworm on your shoulder?" Ylva asked a little disturbed. "I'm Ylva by the way"

The girl took two heavy stone plates out and some cuttery that looked like it came straight out of the bronze ages. Actually, everything Ylva owned looked to come from that age. Her mother and grandmother happily kept their heritage alive, since they were believed to ascended from Ulfhednar. A little Viking aesthetic never killed someone. Except for the Vikings... Who actually... Never mind.