It was the first rays of sun falling on his face that woke Skyler that morning. Like many old (and wealthy) wizarding families, the Grays had several houses, and this one was hidden in the heart of London. It was a small room, with a window on the wall to his right, where the sun shone through onto his bed. The rest of his room was simple, painted blue with white trim. The Queen sized bed Skyler got out of had plain sheets in that faded from grey to blue. At the foot of the bed was a chest-empty save for the clothes he would wear today. Attached to the room was a private bath, with a simple shower/bath, toilet, and sink. The mirror was spotless, Skyler noticed as he shaved after a short shower. No real surprise, the house-elf kept it clean. Skyler didn't really have to shave every day, but after a day or two the beginnings of a beard would appear and he didn't like the way it framed his face. In all fairness, his high cheekbones and fair features made him somewhat of a pretty boy, though he preferred the term handsome. The beard just didn't fit. It also took too long to grow. So he shaved every day. Skyler decided to wear black slacks and a dark blue dress shirt over a white undershirt. He did not button it to the top as he would not wear a tie with this shirt. Once on the train he would replace it with the standard white dress shirt, house tie, and cloak, but one did not wear these things in public. Too many wizards could not blend in with the muggles, although Skyler admittedly found it easier to wear nicer clothes as he never quite understood most of the other fashions. T-shirts were comfortable, but he never got the references. Growing up in the Wizarding World was like that. He was a little worse than many, as the Gray household is not the most social, even among wizards.
Breakfast was a simple affair. Eggs, some toast, and tea. His father was escorting him to the station today, as usual, so they ate together. They spoke briefly about the weather-it was raining again-and then about Hogwarts. Skyler did well on his OWLS last year and would be taking quite a few classes this year. Most importantly he would be studying Alchemy. They opened that class at his request this year. Thankfully there was enough students that were capable and wanted to take it, but he was surprised that one required an Outstanding in both Transfigurations and Potions. It explained why the class was not always available.
"You must be excited for Apparition classes. And, having passed, you will soon enough be an adult. Usefull skill to have." Skyler knew that traveling was a burden on his father's work, but he also knew his father enjoyed the break, short as it was. "And as you already have some experience assisting me, perhaps you will be soon ready for your own project." A small chuckle, "Let us see what happens after the NEWT exams." The thought had Skyler excited, but the NEWT exams were still so far away. Besides, this year there was something almost more important. He was grateful that he was not in his seventh year. It would be terrible to study for exams during the event, whether he was lucky enough to be the contestant or not. The Tri-Wizard Tournament had come again.
"I am excited. This year will prove to be very entertaining, at the least." Skyler sipped the last of his tea, "Hopefully moreso." After placing his napkin on the empty plate, Skyler stands, "Shall we leave then?" His father stands as well, nodding. Skyler quickly retrieved his cat, Alabaster, a small black cat. Alabaster followed them into the car, almost like a dog might. His father had always told him that cats were far smarter than most other animals, but they disdained anyone who was not excellent-which supposedly explained their behaviour. On the other hand, there is some evidence known to the the Gray family that cats are useful in magic, they just haven't quite figured out how. Perhaps one day.
The trip to King's Cross station was uneventful. Skyler supposed that his things were quite noticeable, but his appearance and that of his similarly dressed father kept them from drawing too much attention. Walking through the barrier to Platform 9 and 3/4 without drawing any attention was simple, Skyler didn't even look around first, simply walked up and through. The train was already here, of course. After taking care of his things Skyler hugged his father and boarded the train. Alabaster disappeared shortly afterwards, not that Skyler was bothered. The cat knew when it was needed. Sky was early enough in boarding that the train was mostly empty. Not being a prefect or anything, he needed a cabin, so he found an empty one a little ways down the train. He expected his friends any minute now, as well as other random people coming in and out. The doors were always open. Skyler made sure of that.
