North America Magic Academy (IC)

[justice]

As the morning sun rose over the mountain tops the town of Whistler slowly started to come alive with shoppers, boarders, and snow bunnies. Among the tourists and workers a somewhat different group of people could be seen gathering about and moving along. Younger children and adults with large bags, and while this isn’t abnormal what did seem odd was that none of them had what appeared to be snow going equipment. ‘Must be renting from a store’ was what everyone thought, and while they were not correct in their assumption that they were here for snow many still thought there were an awful lot of students about. How right they were would be lost on them.

The reality was these were students who were on their way to attending school. The first snowfall always brought with it a horde of muggles to the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb eager to take on the new powder. For others it was the time to start looking at text books and practice with their wands. Either way the view was wonderful and the joy was shared by all. Making their way to the large building it seemed only those who knew how were able to enter its doors.Inside was a large magical space which housed a giant gondola loading area. Along its walls were several fireplaces for people to enter though as well as what seemed to be a grand assortment of alternative ways to enter the building. Since most took these ways there was only one doorway which opened after a person spoke the command word which was "Commodo permissum mihi eam."

Students would get help loading their bags into one of the storage compartments and then wait as the passenger gondolas would fill up. Each passenger gondola was big enough to seat roughly ten students with seats of five facing each other. The gondola was the standard way to reach NAMA and had a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Thankfully the gondola didn’t go up and instead went down where the snow wasn’t sticking to the ground. All the same NAMA was famous for its colder winters as far as magic schools went. The gondola ride took close to two hours; however, at the half way point there was a rest stop for people who wished to get off. There was a small shop and a relaxing area completely dominated by a small magic community from the nearby magic village.

[Rubikon]

deleted

[DEMoGorgon47]

Dante let out long string of curses under his breath. The wind had just picked up, and despite his heavy winter coat and gloves the bitter cold still went straight through to his bones. He hated the cold, everything about it. From the snow on the ground to the fact that the sun was only up for less than half of the day. He knew that to be at NAMA that is what one had to deal with, but he cursed anyway. It was just one of those things he could never get used to, even though he had been going to the school for years.

The town of Whistler was a lively as ever, especially since the ski tourist season had recently opened. Muggles from all over had flocked to the resort for some wintery fun. For Dante, the best part was the hot tubs of the resort. The warmth and on occasion the skantly clad girl really made him feel better, despite the temperature outside.

But those times of relaxation were over and now the icy travel to the top of the mountain was beginning. Nearly all of Dante's belongings-- magic related or not --had been sent up the mountain to the castle. All he had on him now was his wand and a leather backpack holding a few various items for the trip upward.

Dante approached the enchanted doors to get to the gondola platorm and as usual, first years were struggling to get through the enchanted doors, and parents were struggling to let go. Dante half smiled half grimmaced, remembering what it was like to get his own muggle parents to let him go to NAMA. If it werent for his godfather Aurthur Silvers, he would never have gone. Speaking of which, his godfather was nowhere to be seen. Normally he would see Dante off before taking a special Gondola up the mountain for Teachers at the school. Authur Silvers was the Charms Professor at NAMA, but unfortunately Dante had never taken much of a liking to that class. It wasn't because of the teacher, Dante just prefered other subjects more.

After speaking the magical command, the doors unlocked and Dante was in. The platform was full of students. Some dressed like Dante, others dressed for school. Dante knew that the ride up would be cold though, so he always stayed dressed in his coat until the last moment. The commontion was great, bangs and sparks from klutzy or over excited wizards going off, animals making various noises, it all made Dante feel at home.

He looked around, checking for friends, as he did not want to be the loner in the Gondola. Across the platform he saw Joel. He was a boy from the Aqua House, but despite this they had managed to become aquaintances, if not total friends. "Hey Joel," Dante called as he approached the boy, "nice to see you again. How was your time at home?"

[justice]

Eric was scared. He wasn’t scared of not being liked or even doing bad in school. What he was worried about was figuring out what house he would join at the end of his first semester. When him and his family had arrived though the fireplace he was instantly brought in by a student who handed him a warm cup of hot coco. The student smiled and welcomed him to the gondola area. The cup was the color of deep red and had a fire symbol facing outward. All around Eric could see different representatives from the five houses making their first impressions on the other first years.

“Just remember that it isn’t supposed to be a pressure situation.” His dad said in his ear. “After all I didn’t make my decision until a week before we had to commit!” He started to laugh as his wife and Eric’s mother rolled eyes. She then let off a comment having to do with the fact that it was the fact that most houses were not too keen on letting her husband in that lead to such a long wait in his choice. Eric’s dad stopped laughing and just gave his wife a kiss and the two gave each other silly fake evil smiles.

“Now remember we promised we would leave after we were allowed to give you a proper farewell.” Eric’s mom said as she bent down to her son’s height. “And for a mother that means a hug lasting a minimum of five seconds and a big kiss on the cheek.” With a big hug she gave Eric a long squeezes and then despite his slight winching gave her son a giant kiss goodbye. “Any last words of advice for our little man?” She said to her husband.

“When I was going to school Fire did have the cutest girls.” His dad said with a mused tone. A short elbow to his ribs made him quickly sing a different tune. “Wood! Wood is also good. They have excellent study habits.” He smiled at his wife and then back down at his son. “Just remember to have fun. First semester is where all the stops are pulled and you are king of the castle as it were. You’re a catch so the houses will likely recruit you.”

With that sage advice and love from his mom Eric watched his family leave just like they promised. Now that they were left and he was standing along with a cup of hot coco and a large bag. Looking around he found it pretty obvious who was a first year and who was returning to school. Looking around for someone who might be able to help him he was given a shock when a taller student walked past him looking rather rough and tough. “Excuse me?”

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Devin was tired of walking. After all he had been walking for more than just a few days. A few weeks was even a low estimate for how long his trip had taken. After all he was now an adult according to the magical community and even though his parents will likely never agree with that cultural belief he was able to convince them he was adult enough to go on a trip by himself. These types of conversation/arguments had become somewhat more common in his household. With him being the first with magical abilities born in over three generations the whole thing had caused a few ruffled feathers.

Heaving a massive backpack over his shoulder and setting it down he looked over at the first year who had spoken to him. “Sup little man?” He said with a smile. The boy introduced himself as Eric and seemed to be wondering where he should go to get his bags loaded into the gondola. “Sure thing. Follow me.” Devin waited for the first year to gather his things and then like a little duckling walk behind him as they made their way to one of the massive gondola cars. There waiting was a group of helpers who were taking luggage and loading it underneath the cars in a holding area.

“There you have it.” Devin said as he walked away. He left Eric in the capable hands of the gondola staff positive they would help him load up. He figured he should at least have introduced himself, but shrugged the thought off. He was sure to see plenty of the new first years in the coming semester. Especially since he was now a sixth year student. Having left his backpack with the gondola he started to make his way over to the Sky welcome area. In the building each house makes its own space as a sort of welcoming area for its students and possible new recruits.

[Vikeadin]

Jason came through the Fireplace into the the Gondola building. It was busy busy as usual as the students did the typical goodbyes to family and hello to friends. His parents were in tow right behind him. Both parents worked for the ministry of Magic. Naturally they were in a rush to say good bye so they could get to their jobs. Jason gave his hugs and grabbed his bags. Including a Cage with his familiar a Hawk name Daishi. They had been together for many many years and contiue to worked together. after checking to make sure he had everything. Jason walked over to the Gondola and dropped off his bags at the loading area along with Daishi. It was typical process for him and he knew his bags and Daishi would be waiting for him in his room at NAMA.

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Jason kept one bag with him it was his labtop bag which also carried his wand with it. Jason took a few moments looking around at all the students trying too find some of his friends if he could it was quite a busy place. After a few moments of searching Jason finally caught sight of Joel and Dante and even a few other friends in the general area. He knew they would all meet up together anyways so he headed for Joel and Dante. "Hey guys hows it going?" Jason said with a hopeful smile on his face. Jason was still trying to come outta his shell.

[Dsnake1]

Mikael inhaled deeply as he stepped through the fireplace. He knew he never would grow tired of the smell of flames. Mikael lugged his trunk while the older couple who emerged behind him, his parents, carried a second trunk, a fox, and a large, empty animal cage. Kettu, the fox, didn't like to be in his cage and it was only brought as a requirement and for times like these. Mikael's mother, Eveliina, set down Kettu and pushed the silver creature into its cage.

Mikael looked around, laughing silently at some of the magical community, especially those who didn't realize it was cold in Canada. Being from North Dakota, he dealt with bitter cold winters as well, and therefore was well prepared. Mikael was wearing his winter (wolf-fur lined) robes, an insulated University of North Dakota hat, and his long socks. Without the winter chill nor nervousness slowing him down, the Saari family made their way to the Gondola, pushing all of Mikael's luggage into a compartment already nearly filled with some of Mikael's friends, transfiguration nerds. Before turning around, Mikael quick tapped Kettu on the nose with his wand, putting the fox into a deep sleep.

"I should probably get settled. Don't wanna do something stupid and miss the Gondola."

Mikael didn't like goodbyes and the longer he drew this out, the more likely he was to show emotion. One thing Mikael definitely didn't like to do was show emotion.

Mikael's mother was the first to speak, "We're going to miss you. Remember, we aren't far away, and we can always come over from Elkin, well if the school okays it."

Niko, Mikael's father, saved him from his mother, and his mother from continuing to blubber as tears formed, by grabbing Mikael's arm and leading him a little ways away before saying, "Son, I expect great things out of you. I am proud of you and I know there's something special for you here at NAMA. I've seen it since they put you on that fast track for transfiguration. Do me proud."

With those words, Niko slapped Mikael on the back and lead him to the Gondola door. Mikael hugged both of his parents and shook his father's hand, while getting slipped some extra money, one last time before turning around and walking into the Gondola, filling it up. One of Mikael's friends closed the door as Mikael sat.

"So boys, what've you all been up to? Thinking of ways to recruit some more Ignis?"

The conversation dragged along, muffled to anyone who stood outside the door.

[Rubikon]

noooo

[Spooner]

Max stood by one of the fireplaces that students where flowing out of. He had been there since early this morning because he had been picked to be one of the recruiters for the Lignum house. He stretched and yawned as the fireplace lit up with green flames. Max straightened up as the family stepped out, you could see it was a first year from the look of nervousness mixed with fear. By the look on the parent’s faces, they were muggles. Max smiled and remembered his own parents when he had first arrived at this strange arrival hall. The confusion and the chock of how fantastic everything was, it didn’t take long before Max settled right in.

“Hello and welcome to the NAMA docking area!” Max grinned at the girl who looked up at him in awe. “It’s your first year here, yeah?” He said as he bent down to her height “Well then you should check out the Lignum house, if you want to get the most out of your studies here at NAMA.” He smiled at her and handed her the flyer that the Lignum house had prepared and also the magical pen that was made from wood that the Ents had given to them. The pen looked just like a twig but you could write with it without using ink and it changed any unreadable scribble in to perfect handwriting.

“Th-thank you!” The girl squeaked and took the pen and flyer and stuffed them in her book bag. Max stood up as the parents nodded appreciatively at him as they passed “Don’t forget to visit us at the welcoming area!” He called after her as a group of Ignis girls swarmed around her with cups of hot cocoa. Max rolled his eyes, who has use for hot cocoa? At least Lignum handed out something useful he thought as his replacement for the last fireplace shift arrived, Miranda Kilkheart. She smiled at him and batted her long eyelashes at him “You can leave now if you want Max” She said putting a hand on his arm. Max turned around and faced her “Oh ok, see you later then!” He said cheerfully and walked away leaving her pouting and tapping her foot. Max had already left his bag and had already changed in to his school robes since he had to represent the school. So he made his way to the different house stands in the welcoming area. Max took one of the Ent pens and ticked of his name on the sheet of parchment that had all the recruiters names on it. Just as he looked up from the parchment he spotted one of his friends Devin over by the Caelum stand.

Max liked to socialize within the different houses a trait that often got him stern glances from his house mates, but he didn’t care. What was the point of just hanging out with your house? You saw them every day anyways. So he walked over to Devin and slapped him the shoulder “Well, well! Look who finally showed!” Max took a look at his watch it was almost time for the first gondolas to leave the docks. “Anyways want to get on the same gondola? Catch up a bit?” Max said with a smile.