Listen, when a great big giant huge crowd of people gathered on the Hogwarts grounds, you went to go and see what was happening. Mostly because there was SAFETY IN NUMBERS and also because WHAT THE HAP WAS HECKENING?!

As he had run through the grounds to the group of people, Abey had caught sight of that giant red CONTRAPTION and his curiosity was piqued all the more.

But... well, running actually wasn't very easy OR enjoyable, and mostly when Abey arrived at where everyone was, he was gasping for breath and clutching a stitch in his side. He may have also grabbed the nearest someone to keep himself upright. Levi Kenning actually. Hi.

Luckily for Abey, stitches didn't last forever, and once he had recovered he could quickly and easily work out what was happening. ILVERMORNY. ILVERMORNY WAS HAPPENING.

....... There was a lot of..... MOODY STARING though, wasn't there?

He tugged on Levi's sleeve. "What's going on? Is this a staring contest???"

Oh! Abey's girlfriend was here. Aaaaaaslaaaaan.

Khalil shot Will a look though it was probably ineffective due to his eyes being beautifully shielded by his amazing shades. Tragic. "Bruh, I keep forgetting, okay??" How was he to know that his expectations would be shattered so early? And what's worse??? There was NO food. What kind of backwards logic? "I wonder if they're into, like, those paleo-diet-things. Because, seriously, where is the food?" This was the more pressing issue, as Khalil refused to believe they traveled all the way to just be greeted with such lackluster enthusiasm.

He looked down - because Kathleen was so cute and so tiny - at Kathleen, offered her a bigger grin, and laughed. "I'm still in disbelief. I keep thinking this is all a big joke." An unfunny joke, at that. He nudged glanced over Kathleen's head to Will, "My sentiments exactly." He took note of several pretty faces - boys and girls alike - in the small crowd before them. And because he was just so friendly he flashed them a dazzling smile. So courteous. He was about to say something reckless to Kathleen and Will when Ms. Pretty-Pretty cozied up to him and flicked the side of his head.

"Professor, you wound me," he feigned shock at her accusations. "But, yes, ma'am. Anything for you." Another smile, one tailored specifically for her. A familiar voice off to the side forced him to turn around. "Manuela," he drawled, nodding at the girl who also had captured his heart, "I repeat: I keep forgetting. This school continues to embarrass me every day." Dramatic, but it was the truth.

Five seconds into this takeover landing and Aiden was already overwhelmed. I mean, forget the ride over, sitting through conversations happening all around him. Forget little chance to concentrate. They had been here for all of however long and his own school mates had already managed to leave him wishing he could find a quiet corner to crawl into for a year or more. He couldn't imagine the Brits were of any better impression.

Aiden stepped from the car, fully stretching his long legs. He remembered the buddy system Moxley prattled on about but only barely. Hard to pay too much attention when you were lost inside your own mind.

Because his Ilvermorny gang had already done such a good job of scaring the competition, Aiden thought it would be alright to hang back and watch. Less engagement. It was the perfect plan. And how was it already so dang cold??????

"Someone tell me we are heading for a warm fire." Introductions were certainly not his thing. He was no good at them, even worse when he was freezing his toes off.

He couldn't wait to get to the medieval castle with the 10th century get up since it probably had torches everywhere but no, he would pass on the selfies this go. Needed a mirror to fix his perfect hair back into perfection after such a long ride.

Levi could shush her all he wanted, it didn't mean that Daisy would be able to stop the quiet chuckles forcing their way out of her. It certainly wasn't for lack of trying, either. She did appreciate his hand, however, and she squeezed it tightly as her face remained buried in his robes. Eventually, she shifted her head and rested her chin on his shoulder to look at the people coming out of the trunk.

Seriously. The Americans were climbing their way out of the trunk of a red Beetle. Some of them, not that gracefully. This was outstanding. Daisy almost felt like applauding.

Or hiding her face on Levi's robes. One of them.

But even her wasn't oblivious enough to sense the slight change in the air; suddenly there was a tension in the air, that wasn't palpable per se, but it was easy to sense the restlessness amongst the Hogwarts' crowd. There went the giggles, then. So when Levi pulled her along, she happily followed, sparing a small smile in Moxley's direction, but keeping her face straight for the rest of the Ilvermorny crowd. Even if some of their staff was stupidly attractive. Uhm.

"How nice." She muttered under her breath as she caught the backend of some American's words when they reached Aslan. Her eyes shifted towards the guy next to him in sunglasses and raised one eyebrow. What? Did it look like it was that sunny? This was like the -- nevermind, she shook her head and looked at Aslan, greeting the older Gryffindor with a small smile and a nod. She didn't look that pleased either. But the Hogwarts student body was definitely flocking together because all of a sudden that younger Ravenclaw girl who always somehow asked the right questions in classes was there and so was -- Abey!

Asteroid? UFO? "Nope. Just Americans, L." She answered with a sideways glance at him, hand moving to hold onto Abey's shoulder. She leaned over towards the boy. "Yes. Send them your meanest stare, Abey Botros!" RAWR.

Or rather. HISS??

So, is this what all Americans are like? Kyle thought dourly. They were loud, shouting something about selfies, and had come out of the bonnet of an old Volkswagon Beetle. He probably wouldn't have even known what one was if it weren't for his father taking him on Muggle outings. Then again, they're excited, he told himself. I would probably be loud if I traveled somewhere far away too. With a nod, he tried his best to reassure himself. They'll settle down. I'm sure they will. Once the excitement passes.

His father had taught him that your first thought wasn't important, it was what you thought next once you had your wits gathered around you that was important. Hopefully he had made up for his initial thought with subsequent ones. First impressions may be important, after all, but a good judge of character let the first impression slide and waited to see what a person was really like. You never knew what a person was covering up, for good or for ill.

SPOILER!!: Hogwarts kids getting in formation lbr

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicole black

Aslan's features were inscrutable as the selfies began but at the words of a red-headed boy with leering eyes and a broad grin she found her lips tugging into a scowl. She crossed her arms under her chest and stuck her nose in the air as Levi, Daisy and some others gathered by her.

It was a show of solidarity, the kind she didn't usually go for. She stayed as she was, dark eyes briefly looking over to the Headmistress and the silent professors before she went back to her observation of the slow-climbing Ilvermony students, their red car and the teachers who held themselves with something like dignity, but that was yet to be proven.

doomed? No. In for a long year of annoyances, loud talking and general disregard? absolutely.

"I'd been looking forward to this for a moment or two." the Gryffindor dreamily said.

------------

Kathleen wiggled as Khalil walked over and nudged her shoulder. She had nothing but heart eyes for the drop-dead beautiful boy and omg WHEN HE SAID THINGS LIKE THAT? she couldn't help herself but blush and die. Ugh, what a guy- what a dude- Miles Jonesy was so wrong about what how incredible Khalil was, okay? okay.

She leaned in, raising up her hand and dropping a peace sign in Moxley's selfie as she used the moment to squeeze in real nice and close to William Healy and Khalil (of course). "Can you guys believe this!? We're in Europe!!!" She exclaimed, beaming brighter than a yellow dwarf.

Quote:

Originally Posted by littledhampir

Was that a car? Olly watched as it flew through the air and then landed in front of them. He stared. How could they all fit in that car? His question was answered almost immediately as the trunk opened and people started climbing out. That...did not look comfortable. Sure it was probably charmed to be larger than it looked because of magic and all. Still, not very stylish, to climb out of a trunk. He would have thought this entourage would have wanted to make a better first impression.

What Olly was mostly interested in was if there were cute boys among this Ilvermorny crew. Not that there was any shortage of those at Hogwarts, he noted as he followed Levi to the edge of the Hogwarts crowd. It was like an invisible line had been drawn. Who was going to cross it first? Into the crowd of strangers. Look! It was Moxley! Hi Moxley! Olly grinned and waved at the former headmistress. So far not many of the students were acknowledging them, but there was a girl (Aurora) waving and saying hello so Olly waved back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

...

.....

"Bloody hell......" The words were more of a mutter than a loud utterance.

What WAS she witnessing. The flying car bug thing car, it was a car, it was a weird car with a name like a bug--whatever, it landed, that wasn't the thing that drew those words from the Third Year. Oh no. She was of the same opinion as it seemed many of her school mates were.

What...exactly....WERE these people....? They all spoke loudly and had this air of....of...well she couldn't quite put her fingers on it but bloody hell. BLOODY HELL. They had to share a castle with them??? Was it alright? Was it safe? The vast majority of them looked like they could give the Gryffindors a run for their money. Soon enough Jessa was almost wishing it had been UFOs like Ace had said or shooting stars like Levi had so helpfully contributed.

"Doomed might be accurate." She muttered, having heard the comment by the Slytherin. Was it something in their water? Something Hogwarts could fix maybe?

Or was it like......genetic? Was this a thing? COULD SHE CHECK??? They wouldn't mind yeah? Loud as they were they seemed....er......friendly.........?

Without drawing much attention to herself, the young girl sidled closer to Aslan, giving the girl a small tug without actually saying anything because at this point, seeing them spring from the car like that....what WAS there to say?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Listen, when a great big giant huge crowd of people gathered on the Hogwarts grounds, you went to go and see what was happening. Mostly because there was SAFETY IN NUMBERS and also because WHAT THE HAP WAS HECKENING?!

As he had run through the grounds to the group of people, Abey had caught sight of that giant red CONTRAPTION and his curiosity was piqued all the more.

But... well, running actually wasn't very easy OR enjoyable, and mostly when Abey arrived at where everyone was, he was gasping for breath and clutching a stitch in his side. He may have also grabbed the nearest someone to keep himself upright. Levi Kenning actually. Hi.

Luckily for Abey, stitches didn't last forever, and once he had recovered he could quickly and easily work out what was happening. ILVERMORNY. ILVERMORNY WAS HAPPENING.

....... There was a lot of..... MOODY STARING though, wasn't there?

He tugged on Levi's sleeve. "What's going on? Is this a staring contest???"

Oh! Abey's girlfriend was here. Aaaaaaslaaaaan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crayola

Levi could shush her all he wanted, it didn't mean that Daisy would be able to stop the quiet chuckles forcing their way out of her. It certainly wasn't for lack of trying, either. She did appreciate his hand, however, and she squeezed it tightly as her face remained buried in his robes. Eventually, she shifted her head and rested her chin on his shoulder to look at the people coming out of the trunk.

Seriously. The Americans were climbing their way out of the trunk of a red Beetle. Some of them, not that gracefully. This was outstanding. Daisy almost felt like applauding.

Or hiding her face on Levi's robes. One of them.

But even her wasn't oblivious enough to sense the slight change in the air; suddenly there was a tension in the air, that wasn't palpable per se, but it was easy to sense the restlessness amongst the Hogwarts' crowd. There went the giggles, then. So when Levi pulled her along, she happily followed, sparing a small smile in Moxley's direction, but keeping her face straight for the rest of the Ilvermorny crowd. Even if some of their staff was stupidly attractive. Uhm.

"How nice." She muttered under her breath as she caught the backend of some American's words when they reached Aslan. Her eyes shifted towards the guy next to him in sunglasses and raised one eyebrow. What? Did it look like it was that sunny? This was like the -- nevermind, she shook her head and looked at Aslan, greeting the older Gryffindor with a small smile and a nod. She didn't look that pleased either. But the Hogwarts student body was definitely flocking together because all of a sudden that younger Ravenclaw girl who always somehow asked the right questions in classes was there and so was -- Abey!

Asteroid? UFO? "Nope. Just Americans, L." She answered with a sideways glance at him, hand moving to hold onto Abey's shoulder. She leaned over towards the boy. "Yes. Send them your meanest stare, Abey Botros!" RAWR.

Or rather. HISS??

It was strange, really, how everyone seemed to be unconsciously banding together. Or, honestly, maybe not so unconsciously. When faced with the uncharted territory and a feeling that perhaps bordered the line of hostility, it should not have too strange to see everyone flock to what was familiar. And yet. But the invisible line had been drawn, sides had been taken, and though he still wanted to have a chat or three with the person in charge of the modifications done to the bug, he was now resolute to go to his head of the house, instead.

First impressions were important and some people on the other side of the line had, to be clear, failed the test. Starting, of course, but not ending with a color scheme he was pretty sure his mother would have fainted at the sight of. Or laughed at, without a single drop of shame.

So maybe not some people. Maybe it was all the people.

He really needed to work on the judgmental thing, maybe a little it, and perhaps he could start now.

Levi grinned, the gesture a little bit wolfish, and he surveyed his peers. He whispered, for their ears only. "Perhaps we need to be more welcoming hosts and greet them. I propose we take a vote on who does it." His eyes fell on Olly, grinned still very much in place. They moved from his face, to the badge pinned on his chest. He also shot a look at Tenacius as well. "Maybe one of our esteemed student leaders?"

A tug on his sleeve made him look down, and Levi found himself staring at Abey Botros. He placed his free arm around the boy, urging him to get closer and nodding at Daisy's words. "Daisy is right, but it might be actually, Abey. We're trying to fix that, though. I think Mr. Borzekowski-Thomas here was about to maybe say hi for the rest of us." Or Tenacius could, too. Or BOTH. Prefects and all.

Teddy was watching the crowd from afar. This must the school from overseas. She warily approached, watching from behind some heads on the frontline.

It was implied that the Headmistress used to be from here as students from left to right were greeting her like old friends. The red vehicle the American students arrived in was cute. She'd like to own one if she lived in a muggle neighborhood.

Not only did the Americans bring some personality, they were rather good looking for the lot.

Was Safaia the only one to make a graceful exit from the trunk? She didn't know given she couldn't see who exited how in front of her. The fourteen year old spilled out of the trunk like a flower unfurling, all limb and apprehensive shivers. Not that it was particularly colder in temperature right now compared to back at Ilvermorny (which was still colder than anyone should have to cope with) but it sure seemed..... bleaker to her. Thank Atua for Moxley, a beacon of warmth and sunshine in the veritable sea of staring eyes within a dark cloaked mass that made up the Hogwarts kids.

She should probably find her buddy now, especially given there wasn't all that much to see so far....

SOOOOO many faces! Aurora was calculating and scanning each and every one of them. Studying them. It was what she did. She grinned at Irene and giggled, hooking her arm through her friends arm and tapping her chin. First impressions? Hmmm. "They don't stand a chance against us," she whispered with a smirk. Because DUH. Competition was important of course, but she was here to have FUN too.

"There are some cuties here for sure, though," she added, giggling and smiling at the boy who had waved at her (Olly) OOOOH so many fun faces! "He's nice looking too," she whispered with a grin to her friend, pointing at one of the boys who looked to be about their age (Levi) with her pointed finger.

Seriously this was going to be SOOOOO fun. Now were any of them going to DO something or just stare at them??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelsheen

Adeodatus Astor hung about near the opening of the trunk, letting the rest of his schoolmates exit first. He was observing see, environmental conditions, how the locals were dressed today, who they were that greeted them. He knew one local..... and he was hoping he can keep the element of surprise for a bit more since Deo didnt tell his cousin that he was coming.

In fact, the bold face lie was-- 'No, its just the Ilvermorny faculty and school reps.'

So his bid his time, and then timed his exit-- during the wave of excitable classmates seeing Scotland for the first time. He's been here a few times. Miserable weather. Today was well.... better. Seem like Mother Nature is cooperating for the sake of their arrival.

Now where is that Curly Top because theres an egg in his hand with his name on it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekraken

"Professor, you wound me," he feigned shock at her accusations. "But, yes, ma'am. Anything for you." Another smile, one tailored specifically for her. A familiar voice off to the side forced him to turn around. "Manuela," he drawled, nodding at the girl who also had captured his heart, "I repeat: I keep forgetting. This school continues to embarrass me every day." Dramatic, but it was the truth.

Spotting Deo, Manuela very quickly went back to her fellow Horned Serpent and hooked her arm with his. She completely disregarded the egg in his hand, too, because some things just weren't worth the explanation.

"Moxley said buddy system, Deo." She wasn't asking.

Jordan. Right. She should have known better than to address him directly. He was like an itch to urinate in the middle of the morning. Or perhaps a strange case of the flu that one could never quite get rid off.

So, a logistic nightmare. "Why are you even in sunglasses? It's a grey disaster. The sun doesn't exist here." An exaggeration. Probably! "It also makes you look like a total tool. Quit misrepresenting us."

At this point, Benji was dancing ... and not in a fun way. He was dancing to keep himself from wetting his pants. Right now that bush he had been eyeing up was looking like the perfect place to take a leak, but he knew, deep down, that it wasn't right. He didn’t want to let his lovely headmistress down, and he knew that he totes would not like it if someone else was using his bushes as a restroom. So he awkwardly danced, and continued asking around for where he could take care of his business.

His dark brown eyes then met with Irene. From one Pukwudgie to another, the Canadian gave the girl a small wave and then winced. HE WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO HOLD IT FOR MUCH LONGER. HELLO, PEOPLE! WHERE WERE THE BATHROOMS AT THIS JOINT?

Benji slowly started making his way toward the Ilvermorny and Hogwarts headmistresses. He didn't want to interrupt them, but this was now an emergency.

"MISS –"

Then he caught sight of his History of Magic professor glaring at him, pressing her finger against her lips even. The boy's cheeks turned bright red. So embarrassed that she was looking at him like that, he didn't even feel the warmth trickle down his pant leg and into this shoe.

Of course Regina knew the source of the humming. She had, after all, seen it multiple times when she taught at Ilvermorny. So, as the Beetle approached them, the woman couldn't help but glance over to the faces beside her. She was sure their confusion, shock, and/or excitement would be rather amusing. There were no UFOs visiting Hogwarts this term. And, yes, the American school travelled by flying vehicle. A sense of pride grew in her as the classic old car made its landing.

Even the sight of Paul in that ghastly poncho wasn't going to rain on that emotion, though he did receive the look right before the trunk of the Beetle opened. If he pulled any stunts like this again, she'd be sending him back with their guests at the end of term.

The Herbology professor was long forgotten at the sight of the Ilvermorny headmistress, Regina's former boss of two years. A smile grew on her face, even though Meredith seemed ... too energetic about being on her old stomping grounds. A selfie? Really? What was that woman thinking? Regina had forgotten the antics of Meredith Moxely, how she was a big kid in an adult's body. Actually, she had almost forgotten those type of antics. She had a big poncho-wearing kid on her own staff.

"You're late," the Hogwarts headmistress responded, taking the hand offered to her. "But welcome back, Meredith. It is good to see you again. And it is my pleasure to be hosting my old family here at Hogwarts."

Speaking of her old family, she watched as the students -- many of whom she had taught Defence; it was only the first and second year students, as well as any new transfers, she wouldn't recognise -- pour out of the trunk of the Beetle and waved at them all, whether they remembered/liked her or not. The smile on her face stayed put and remained quite genuine. Regina, however, had to force that smile on her face to remain when she caught sight of Melanie.

Her eyes quickly turned away from her, which for a split second fell on her daughter. She had forgotten that Veronica would be with them. Quickly her eyes moved back to Moxely before the daggers of her daughter's eyes stabbed her right in the heart.

"Shall we, uhh, head on up to the Great Hall? The house-elves have been working full-force today in preparation for our first night together. And we have competitors that need to be announced."

Maesi wanted to be one of the first ones to pop out of the trunk, but unfortunately her seat inside was rather unfavorable for doing just that. And to be honest she thought the travel arrangements were trash, but now that they were there, who even cared?? They were in Scotland!! Eee, so exciting!

The fourteen year old looked around as she hurried over with her group, just in time for Moxley's selfie. She held up two rockstar hands and winked with her tongue hanging out. Selfie game: strong.

She had read a bunch of books on British customs, so obviously she was already an expert, but she could still use some British hotties to show her around. Oooh, and there was the infamous Hogwarts. It didn't quite compare to Ilvermorny, at least from the outside, but it was cute. And to be quite honest, she was expecting more of a welcome than just a handful of students staring at them, but okay. She was still excited to be here. Raising both of her hands over her head, she wiggled all ten of her fingers at them as she called over with a big smile, "Hey, y'all!"

Now, where was her buddy?

Miles had to fight the urge to slap the gum Az was offering to the ground out of habit. He snatched it and popped into his mouth,

only to spit out two seconds later.

"Dude, that was super groady. Don't give me that again." He looked away, and then back at her. "Actually give me another piece." Wiggles fingers.

Can you believe this???? Can you belieeeve he was being threatened with sleeping on the floor??? CaN YOU BELIEVVVEEEE

Bro, who let---hehehe--who opened---hahaha---who---who opened Pandora's Box and let Kathleen Yang loose?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Scrub.

WHY WAS HIS HAND BEING TUGGED ALL OVER THE PLACE. "Will you chill,
bro?!!?"

Mason had still not joined the Headmistress and the rest of the Hogwarts students even when the car, it was a car right? Landed on Hogwarts soil. He remained seated on the bench with his book still open on his lap though he wasn't reading it anymore.

Instead, his dark brown eyes were curiously watching each and every person that came out of the car. One thing that he immediately noticed was that they were loud. He was excited of course but just not as excited to run up there to see them when they were going to spend till the end of the term together.Besides, he had just come to a good part in the book he had been reading. A battle between good and evil. Not to mention that he doubted it that anyone would pay attention to him, he looked down at his novel and continued to read.

Kalen was quiet as the school from America joined them and he watched as kids tumbled out of the trunk and he eyed the two Professors.. Hmm.. Yeah he wasn't impressed either. He hadn't missed the cool stares and barely there smiles that were sent their way. He didn't let a reaction move over his face as he looked over at them before moving on..

Headmistress Moxley though got a warm smile, the woman was a legend.. one he had hard of and couldn't wait to meet. Perhaps later though?

His green eyes were cool as he looked over the new comers and he made sure he stayed quiet as The Headmistresses started to talk.. He looked around at the students behind him and smiled a bit.. not much of a welcoming committee but.. it would do..

Were they headed to the great hall then?

Food? Yes?

Food always helped things..

Especially awkward meetings..

He did not really expect anything with this arrival. Having a relative who used to be a professor at Hogwarts made Evan Park knew a bit or two about how... interesting this place is. Sipping his boba tea, he walked approaching Deo and Manuela. "I don't understand why Headmistress Moxley wants us to stick with our buddies or whatsoever. Is she afraid that we're gonna lose or being kidnapped?" And he decided to stick with them because Horned Serpent loyalty, bro. "Why the heck you have egg in your hand?" Evan asked Deo.

His brown eyes gazed at this Hogwarts peeps. Which one was the professor who liked his uncle by the way? Hehehe. Yeah, Uncle Jordan did mention about her name but he didn't really have a good memory about memorizing people's name. Ah, he would figure it out later. "I hope our digestive system can get used to British food." Evan just wanted Philly Cheesesteak but he doubted that it would be available here.

The one advantage to practically being part feline? Ambrosia hadn’t had to worry about making the sort of exit from the Beetle as a few of her fellow students had made. Not that she’d planned on doing so anyhow, if she’d been able to help it. Nor was she particularly concerned with the headmistress’ little buddy idea. She had her personal buddies, thank you very much. One of which she had stretched out her legs in time to hear questioning that very subject, along with the ridiculous idea that they ought to be completely stereotypical. “You do know we aren’t actually obnoxious tourists, Maddox,” she drawled with a grin as she loped up next to the Allen who was quite nearly her brother. As if she actually needed more brothers. Or as if she would have considered him one for real.

Her blue eyes had scanned the crowd of Brits who had gathered, in case there had been one familiar face amongst the group. Except disappointingly Magnus wasn’t there to annoy. To lecture about how he had abandoned her to the mercies of Maddox Allen and Lorcán. Things were confusing enough as it is, but then at least it had been interesting. And one boy wasn’t there, either. She had already planned out how she’d lecture Lorcán if she got back to Ilvermorny when this was all over to find he had neglected her cat. She guessed some people might have expected her to be a good example for the one sister who had made the trip with her, but those people also wouldn’t have known her. Ambrosia Crabtree did what she wanted, and she accomplished what she set her mind to.

For all the others who were complaining about the trip overseas, they could have had to share it with a panther. So she figured they ought o be grateful she’d chosen to stay her lovely self instead.

So...one of the NEAT things about Hogwarts was how quickly news could travel and he just so happened to be trying to figure out something with his fireseeds he still kept under his bed JUST IN CASE he happened upon a dragon egg when he heard the Fat Friar talking about something as he glided through the dorms and common room and then the portraits had been doing their usual gabbing and the second year had dropped everything to BOLT down to the pathways. Okay...so he had totally and safely tucked his fireseeds away so as not to catch anything on fire and burn down the Hufflepuff common room, okay? Okay.

BUT WAS IT TRUE?! HAD THEY REALLY ARRIVED IN A BEETLE?! A GIANT BEETLE?! WHAT KIND OF BEETLE WAS IT?!

He knew Rove Beetles were the BIGGEST in North America but those were kind of terrifying looking...although IF they wanted to intimidate them then that was a GOOD choice. He personally was hoping for a Scarab or Jewel Beetle personally because those were really REALLY pretty and shiny and just sdlfjkdsklfjslfjsd HE WAS REALLY EXCITED TO SEE WHAT BEETLE THEY HAD PICKED OKAY?!

AND HE WAS TOTALLY PRACTICING THE HOGWARTS SONG THE ENTIRE WAY DOWN TOO!

"HOGWARTS HOOOOOOGWARTS HOGGY WAAAAAARTY HOGWAAAAAARTS....TEACHUS-S-S-SSSOMETHINGPLEAS-S-SE!" he sang in various tunes as he ran through the grounds. Yeah...teach us something like WHAT BEETLE THEY HAD ARRIVED IN....and maybe not the logistics of how...or maybe yes how...MAYBE THE BEETLE LAID EGGS AND THEY AMERICANS HATCHED OUT OF THEM???? "WHEEETHER WE BE OLD AND BAAAAAALD...OOOOOOR YOUNG WITH S-S-SCAAAAABBY KNEES-S-S...OUT HEADS-S-S COULD DO WITH FIIIIIIIIIIILLIIIIIIIIIING..."

Only when the second year arrived there was no beetle to be seen ANYWHERE.

Whaaaaaaaaaat?

"But..but..." he blinked, looking around at everyone who had gathered. "Where is the beetle?"

He naturally spotted his friends - Jessa, Abey, Stasya, Theo, DAISY CARDEN.... - but it was all the NEW faces that kept his attention. LIKE THE AMERICAN VEELA [Valerie Gray]!!! The second year could literally NOT take his eyes off her and was staring at her for a gooooooooooooood loooooooooooong while before something else caught his attention. An Ilvermorny first year with the NEED TO PEE [Zoe]. HE NEEDED TO SECRETE! "I CAN TAKE HIM TO THE LOO HEADMISTRESS........ES!" he informed, er, BOTH of them while waving his hand a bit wildly in case they couldn't see the small blonde boy among the crowd.

Wait...was that one dude [thekraken] wearing sunglasses? "Duuuuuuuude," Derf greeted with a grin. He totally had the American guy talk NAILED thanks to Kane and Brent. "Dude your sunglass-s-sess-s-s-s are dude totally duuuude awesome dude!"

And WHAT was that other bloke [RandomRaven] drinking? Oh yes there was LOADS of staring at that TOO.

Louise had ridden in a volkswagon beetle before, but not one that took them across seas. It was definitely a long ride, although she had to be grateful that she didn't get stuck sitting next to Jesus tell another one of his stories, that she'd undoubtedly heard before in their common room. Sorry, Valerie, Louise did feel slight pity, but only because she'd heard the stories before and because of the drool she would have on her robes. The younger girl probably still looked beautiful though.

Also, the fact that her sister disobeyed her and signed up to study at Hogwarts this term was annoying. Not that she didn't want her sister there, but she wanted her to stay behind and look after their brother. It kind of put her in a foul mood, despite the other half of mood being exhilarated on finally traveling to Scotland.

Selfies? Their headmistress was SO bubbly and while Louise ordinarily didn't mind, right now she just wanted food.

"Maddox. You're my buddy." Louise said matter-of-factly, as she hooked his arm. Even though she didn't think they needed one either, if she had to be buddies with someone, at least it was going to be someone she enjoyed company with. And there strangely weren't too many seventh years on this trip, so the few present needed to stick together.

Rooney Bronwyn had been walking through the castle on his way back to his common room when he had SEEN it. He had SEEN IT HAPPEN. Throwing the textbooks he had been carrying to the floor, the Head Boy had ran the entire way down the stairs and out to the grounds as fast as he possibly could. In the time it had taken him, there was already a gathering of students -- which was confusing as to where they had come from, until he saw one get out of the car..? What on Earth? In all of his imaginative moments, thinking up of ways they would arrive...he had not considered this way at all. In that car? In the BUG? Really? Weren't they American..?

Did Moxley know that that was a let down? -- MOXLEY! Oh my!

The Ravenclaw barrelled his way through the Hogwarts students in the direction of the woman he had thought as his school mother for SO long. Meredith Moxley had been the one Professor to inspire him to continue being himself when he had doubted everything as a younger teen. "LADYYYYYYY MOXXXXXLEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!" Came his voice before his body, but he practically threw himself at the visiting Professor and hugged her as tight as he possibly could. "I missed you, I missed you, I missed you so much! Can't you come BACK? I didn't aLMOST DIE when you were here!" Sorry Headmistress Hawthorne, but that really was still being held against you.

Wait, was he supposed to be setting an example? Hah, he was. His example was to HUG those who inspired you to be yourself. And to MISS those that left you. It was to LOVE.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Headmistress Moxley had said to stick with their buddies and that was nothing short of how Ophelia lived her life. Her twin was her buddy every day and had been since birth. She, unlike those before her it seemed, found it pretty easy to get out of the Beetle. Maybe it was how she remembered how they'd gotten in so it wasn't that difficult to reverse it? AnyHOOOOOOOOOOO. Ophe was the first of the Robertser twins to get out of their transportation, joining the crowd of Ilvermorny students whilst she waited for her sister.

It was October 3rd, and she had now set foot in the UK. It was a kicker because today was her Aunts wedding in the UK and school had meant that Ophelia, Jessie and Radley hadn't been able to go. At least their parents had instructed Radley to stay behind at Ilvermorny because he was only a first year and didn't need to be globe trotting when he knew nothing about magic. "Why are they just staring at us..?"

Where was J.R????

To be honest Weslyn really did not know what they couldn't have just flooed over. Arriving by car, and having to climb out of a trunk wasn't the best thing in the world. That other European countries had a great big ship, and they had a car. Psh. Why were they so far behind. But Weslyn did climb out of the trunk of the car in a graceful way. She was not going to show herself up in front of the Hogwarts students.

"So this is Hogwarts" The Diggory girl murmured, looking around. Oh. They were all watching them. Was watching a load of students climb out of a trunk really that entertaining. Weslyn would not have found this that entertaining if it was the other way around.

The sixth year looked around for someone she knew, and made a beeline for Maddox and Louise. "Should have dyed your hair red, white, and blue Maddox" She teased with a grin. "Hi Louise" She greeted the other member of the group. "so glad to be out of that car"

Travelling ought to be fun, but to be subjected into a somewhat cramped Beetle wasn't exactly what Charlie would categorise as fun and exciting. Annoyed, hungry, and exhausted, the first year Thunderbird student pushed an older student's bum off his face when it was his turn to emerge from the trunk. "Move!" Air! He needed air! But before he could comment on how...fresh the air was, their Headmistress' selfie-stick was seen and Charlie was quick to dive in with the rest of the students who joined her! With his two thumbs up, and tongue out, Charlie successfully made his first Hogwarts memory.

And...buddy? Who was his buddy again? Was it Sam? Or was it his fellow firstie Canadian friend, Benji? Well, in that moment he couldn't be bothered considering that he already followed the Moxinator to greet their host. After taking a peek at Moxley's counterpart, Charlie quietly moved to the side and joined the rest of the older students as they marvelled at the scene before them. "YO!" after giving a random Hogwarts student his greeting, he dug his hands into a bag of gummy worms and popped half of it in his mouth, and the other end was left dangling. "They don't look happy..." Charlie commented to no one in particular, eyeing their dull and stiff uniforms, and blank stares. Hogwash really must be a place of doom. "Except for you!" Charlie said pointing a finger laced with gummy worm towards a blond boy, singing...something about Hogwash. "SING AGAIN!" They ought to have some welcoming music or something, no?

And hold on...blondie was going to take Benji to the what? "What is a loo?"

---

Was that a bird? A plane? Superman?

After attending to his last patient, River stood at the main door as he caught sight of a flying Beetle. Regina had briefed them earlier about today, so even if his hands were full at the moment, he took the time out of his busy schedule to welcome their guests. Dressed in a decent suit and tie, River joined the students and staff assembled below and gave their visitors a warm, welcoming grin.

River almost had his jaw drop when he saw Ilvermorny's Headmistress. Jace was able to stun this woman during his first year? Blinking, and swallowing his surprise, River kept silent and gave his nephew a nonchalant grin, only to receive a glare from the younger Reed.

Ugh. Just UGH.

The commotion around him was so loud that even he could not focus on the book he was trying to read. And it got even worse when Derf, oh yes he recognised that voice from afar, marched up singing the Hogwarts school song. A song he never liked to be honest. It was so cheesy and awkward as no one knew what the tune was supposed to be, resulting in everyone just singing the words in whatever way they liked. Now, at Durmstrang they had a magnificent dance performance and he felt ashamed for once to not be able to let the Ilvermorny school show something worthwhile.

Mason snapped his book shut as he had been reading the same line over and over again without registering what it was saying and stood up from the bench. Book still held in his hands, the Ravenclaw debated whether he should just leave and find a quiet place or watch the new visitors some more. It was more being of his personal pride that he stayed rather than that he actually wanted to. He'd be damned if he moved away from the place HE'D been first before this whole thing started. As he finally moved closer, the Ravenclaw remembered what Professor Stewart had told him about their differences. And boy were they different.

And then...their Head Boy had to go and embarrass them even further by actually HUGGING the Ilvermorny Headmistress. Hadn't Derf's singing been aweful enough? Mason send the back of his dormmate's head a dissaproving look before he looked over at the two other older people who had gotten out of the beetle.

It was obvious that these two were Professors and Mason vaguely wondered what subjects they taught and if they were going to have a joint lesson with the teachers at Hogwarts at some point.

It wasnt a UFO? It was totally a UFO. Uber Fantasmagoric Object! The Curly Top was beaming from ear to ear as he watched the red vintage Beetle make a touchdown on the grounds. AND THEN, the hood pops open to let out "PROFESSOR MOXLEY!!!" he cheers as the bubbly woman graced them with her presence once again. Did she say SELFIE? Oh this Gryffindor Ace was totally photobombing that mmhm.

And then he turned to the Ilvermornians (is that what they're called? Well they are now) climbing out of the Beetle.....two that looks like Professors, and then students... and more students.... and more still. He thought the only ones coming here were those competing? From the looks of it it seems like its half the school. Oh but guests many many guests "Hullo! Welcome to Hogwarts!" he greeted them ever so warmly with a wave and a big smile. He had to wonder if his cousin pulled a fast one on him and is actually here?...

Ok he can clearly see Ace because who wouldnt have heard that LOUD greeting for Headmistress Moxley? And since he was, as usual excitable and distracted, Deo saw a perfect opportunity to honor the Astor tradition of cousin pranking--

-- until someone hooked an arm with his "Oh Manuela.... hi." the Serpentine lad flustered slightly at his housemate. He wasnt expecting being buddied up with her-- not that he minded heck no. But just he was about to turn his attention back to the tradition at hand Evan joined them too. "I dunno, maybe she's afraid that a basilisk might pop out from the ground and swallow us whole or something. Hogwarts has a rep for that you know." Dangerzone as his cousin fondly sings of it. "And shhh, this egg is for my cousin, I gotta plant this on him before he--"

-- Oh no. Where is he? Where did that blundering mop head go?...


Aha! So his cousin is here! "DEO!!" he cackled, pouncing on his cousin so suddenly that the the egg cracked in Deo's hand "You're here!! You liar you're here-- wait what is that?... was that egg supposed to be for me? HAHAHAHAHA!!" Just look at his cousin's face! Classic! "Ace: 1, Deo: ZEROOOO"

But oh hello fellow Curly Top standing next to loser cousin. "Hi! I'm Tenacius. Gryffindor Prefect. Deo's cousin." he grinned at Manuela as he offered his hand, and then to Evan too, clasp-shaking them in turn "Welcome to Hogwarts! So happy to meet Deo's schoolmates!"

So honestly, Skylar had kind of forgotten about the Ilvermorny students coming and the whole competition thing because it was easier to forget about it, then to feel put-out that she was considered too young to enter. Except for the fact that she had cousins coming to Hogwarts for the term that she never got to really see, there wasn't anything to really get excited about. She had stood near the main door, watching from a distance as the students tumbled out of the beetle, shaking her head at each and every one of them.

Until, she saw one face she recognized mostly from pictures exchanged through the mail.

Running fast at the older girl, the fourth year pounced on Weslyn without waiting any longer. Last time she saw Wes was probably when she was like eight and Wes was like ten, so it's been awhile. "I thought Harvey was coming too?" Was the first things that escaped her lips.