#9 A Carriage to Japan

Molly smiled at her two well-behaved children, who would surely turn pale if they knew half of the trouble they got up to as toddlers. Her Prefect and no doubt future-Prefect. It was a rather ironic carriage group, as she herself at been Prefect during her time at Hogwarts. And the three of them certainly fared better on this journey with those sweets doing the trick.

'No rules were bypassed,' she reassured Pierce. 'Rodney was well aware; I made sure to declare them. The rule is that we cannot bring food overseas with us, and I only brought enough for those who needed it; us. We'll have thoroughly consumed them before arrival.'

It was still a bit of a loophole, and Rodney allowed it because he knew they'd keep their word. But Pierce was a stickler for rules, so Molly didn't mention that part. Technically speaking, nothing was snuck in or done improperly. Rodney simply wavered it under strict condition that they eat it on the journey.

Molly nodded at Martha's words, feeling a bit bad that she hadn't packed something for her daughter to do (as she had thought of it) -- but there simply wasn't room in their packs. But sometimes she needed to get used to things like this, rather than relying on books or hobbies to occupy herself. A four hour journey was not an easy thing, but conversation with each other worked just fine.

Well, until Pierce once again had a knack for asking just the right questions -- in which she would rather not have to answer.

'The drivers are quite skilled with navigation, yes.' Molly reluctantly nodded, glancing over her shoulder then sighed. 'But the driver's not the one steering. And believe me, those magnificent creatures know exactly where they are and where they're going.'

She left it at that, though had no doubt there'd be follow up questions.

--

Nearly two hours into the journey, and Molly wished she'd brought a book or hobby activity for herself. 

'Yes, carriages there. Carriages back,' she answered Pierce, never tiring of his questions and boundless curiosity. 'I've no idea what time we'll head back, but don't you worry -- you'll see stars sooner rather than later. Perhaps a forest or two, as well.'

She couldn't answer the rest, as to not give anything away. But the smile on Molly's face as she peered out a window and the foggy clouds told them well enough that there was quite an adventure planned for their trip. 

--

Meanwhile, in the carriage ahead of them, Quidditch and flying remained a hot topic even as they neared the third hour on their journey through the skies overhead cities and countries below.

Alan was delighted to hear about the Time Keepers from the Academy, and had requested fully detailed recounts of the whole event arranged by Madam Graysteel. He was also still shocked, yet thrilled, at his son having won such an incredible prize.

'Oh, but Josh, of course you should upgrade your broomstick. An opportunity like that should not be wasted,' Alan warmly encouraged his son, as it would be cruel not to allow it. He'd earned the prizes, after all. 'Your Ashstorm doesn't need to go to waste, though. I'm sure Sam would give it a good home?'

He gave his Ravenclaw son an encouraging nod. He couldn't remember if Samuel had outright expressed interest in joining the team, but Alan had a feeling it was something he'd be interested in. He was proud of all his Quidditch players, of course, but there was something a bit different about Samuel considering that was also Alan's own house team.

He'd finally be allowed to be a little bit biased in supporting that house too, without getting a disapproving glare from Molly.

There was a lot to digest, and they'd easily gotten distracted by the Quidditch talk for a while. It wasn't hard to do, given everyone present shared a love and interest in the sport. But there was one other thing, and Alan made sure not to overlook it once the rest of Sam's announcement came to mind.

'A Sagemore, huh?' Alan nodded, rather impressed. 'Quite the high praise. You're doing very well, Joshua. You know, the Academy has business and freelance certificates, if this was something you wanted to continue doing on the side? It shouldn't get in the way of other studies, but worth considering. It'd offer some sales protection, too.'

He didn't say too much else, as to not discourage Joshua's interests. It may just be a hobby, but even so Alan knew all to well that there was more to business like that than simply making and selling things. At the moment, Joshua was just earning some extra pocket money from his hobby -- but if it kept growing before graduation, he and Molly may need to invest in sitting him down for a proper plan and discussion.

Just to be safe. 

Sam scrunched up his face as his curiousity deepened. It was a bad habit that would probably give him a wicked crease between his eyebrows when he got older, but there was so much to be curious about even within his own family!

It made sense that Dad didn't know much more about the dragon incident, but Sam wouldn't be surprised if they were being protected from any information until the adults knew things were resolved. 

The scarf thing was amusing, as well as intruiging. Sam sat back as their carraige shifted and glanced behind Toby's head at his twin. He knew people had a hard time telling them apart sometimes (it came with the twin territory, but also with being a Twiggs in general) and certainly their capacity for mischief had grown now that Josh had a Ravenclaw scarf. 

Still, his brother's grin made Sam want to know the why, how, when's of this scarf business even more. He wouldn't let it go just yet, but now wasn't the time.

Brooms had been mentioned!

"Aw, Josh, are you sure?!" Sam sat forward eagerly, drawn out of his thoughts as Dad encouraged his son to enjoy his new broom and pass on his old one. He was very fond of the Ashstorm, and the timing seemed perfect.

"I was wanting to try out for the Ravenclaw team," he continued, joining in on the family catch-up. "I've wanted to for ages but I got distracted..."

He trailed off, grinning sheepishly. Their Dad smiled warmly and encouraged Joshua with some business advice; Sam's attention slipped to the window next to him, and he reached up to push aside the curtain so he could watch the clouds blur by.

Quidditch had always been a big thing in the family, and though Sam loved to keep up with matches and support his siblings, he always found a way to talk himself out of trying out. The mysteries of Hogwarts had held him close for his first years there, so any spare moment not doing homework or studying was given to exploration and research. 

Now he was older, he had a better grasp on schoolwork and felt now was the best time to throw himself into the fray on match day. He glanced at Joshua and Toby, making a mental note to talk to his brothers about how they handled squaring off against one another in a serious way. 

For the fraction of a moment Joshua was uncertain about his Dad's encouragement for the broom upgrade. That was, until he echoed Joshua's own thoughts of passing his Ashstorm on to his twin brother.

He gave Samuel a hopeful look, then immediately brightened up when he confirmed, rather enthusiastically, that he in fact, would love the broom.

"Of course I'm sure, silly." Joshua laughed.
He fought the urge to give his brother a playful clap on the shoulder, the carriage was too cramped for that.

"I also think it's perfect timing for you to join the team. With Amber as the new Captain, I'm certain you'll get a fair chance to try out."

He subconsciously reached for the hems of the blue and bronze scarf as he mentioned his friend, smiling brightly at Samuel.

"What position were you thinking, Sam?", he asked curiously.

He had the vague notion his brother might be interested in the same positions he was, namely Keeper or Beater, but it was yet to be confirmed.

"Yes, Sagemore indeed." Joshua leaned back in his seat, proud to hear his father's approval.

"Oh, it does? Sounds like a course worth looking into."

Joshua nodded to himself, then let his gaze wander out the window. They were passing a rather heavy looking cloud, it had to be raining there soon.

Truthfully, he hadn't given much thought to what he wanted to do once he'd finished school, though there was a nagging feeling that higher education might not be for him.
If he could potentially turn his hobby into a busniness...

Joshua furrowed his brows.

Seemed as though his dad had somehow tricked him into thinking about his future for once, rather than the moment. And that on a holiday!

"What kind of materials do you think we'll find in Japan?", he asked.
There. Back in the moment. Sort of.

At Martha's words Pierce looked at her, stunned. Why hadn't he thought of that?

Surely because right now, they were not in one of the Hogwarts carriages but in a flying one. And it could very well be that the carriages at school worked differently than the ones they were using right now.

However, the explanation of his Mum clearly indicated that in fact both carriages were pulled by the same creatures: winged horses. Thestrals.

Which apparently were invisible to one unless someone had witnessed death.

Pierce had listened in excitement until that bombshell was dropped. He really would have loved to see them - but not anymore.

Had he anticipated the graveness of his question, even he might not have asked...

Pierce saw the sadness in his Mum's eyes, and his heart felt heavy. While he did wonder how she came to see the Thestrals, he didn't dare to ask. Heck, contrary to usually, he felt really bad even for having asked that question!

The air inside the carriage was suddenly feeling rather heavy, and Pierce decided to gaze out of the window as well, though his mind kept wondering over the creatures and what had happened to his Mum.

--

Pierce straightened up as he noticed the sudden shift in the clouds. It simply looked unnatural. In addition, he felt how the carriage tilted a bit, the drivers not capable to keeping them straight anymore.

He could think of one reason: the Thestrals were disturbed by something.

Only a moment later, the clouds divided - and a dragon emerged.

Pierce's eyes went wide and he was simply stunned, having not expected this sight at all. However, he came back to his senses as soon as his mother explained that it was a Japanese Pearlfang.

Pierce shook his head and moved closer to the window, trying to get in as much details of the dragon as possible. There was simply no time for him to be afraid, he had to memorise everything, so he could write it down later!

In his mind Pierce opened a notebook and made a short memo, containing the dragon's name, the rough colour of its scales, its shiny teeth and the rather unexpectedly musical roar.

Pierce added its size and the movement of its tail as well. And of course the scar.

He wondered what exactly had happened to the dragon to get such a scar.

Sam looked back to his brother, letting the curtain on his side fall closed again. 

"Oh, that Amber," he cooed thoughtfully, finally making the connection to the Amber he knew and Scarf-Amber. He didn't know her too well, but now he had the perfect excuse to suddenly become more friendly towards her. 

All in good faith, of course! It would be smart to get to know the Captain of his potential new team, with the added bonus of scoping out her interest in his twin.

"Keeper, probably," he replied, pretending not to notice how Joshua fiddled with the ends of his scarf. "Though I wouldn't turn down a Beater position!"

Their Dad and Josh talked a little more about Josh's future, so Sam glanced at Tobias to make sure he was faring alright. He didn't like to participate in career-talk himself, so he was happy to let the conversation get a little more serious while he let his mind wander.

It didn't get far, however. He realised quickly that the carraige had fallen silent after Joshua asked a question, which was odd in itself. Sam looked to their Dad, then followed his tense gaze out the small window opposite where Sam sat.

The clouds seemed mould a shape out of thin air, and then they were flying next to a dragon.

Sam gasped so violently that it sounded like a choking swamp monster.

With the childish urge to see the big dragon coursing through his veins, he swung his legs up under himself and lay down over Toby's shoulders, his arms flailing to shove Josh out of the way of the best view, his eyes wide and mouth open in awe as the dragon roared.

[ooc: brothers attacked with permission]

Molly gripped Martha's hand back, as a pillar of strength and reassurance. Whereas Alan had to contend with much louder and excitable reactions. He watched the dragon's movements carefully, and made a gesture to his lips as a way of gently telling Tobias he needed to be quiet. The situation was risky, flying so near a dragon, but that would turn much worse in a heartbeat.

Thankfully, the dragon roared once more then rose higher... no, they sank lower. The carriages steered down towards the ground, a little less smooth in their haste but still nowhere near as bumpy as carriages they were used to. The landing was a bit rough, but they'd made it.

Molly and Alan each ushered the kids out of their respective carriages. While Molly fussed in checking them all over, as if seeing the dragon had somehow warranted a close inspection, Alan peered high into the sky for any sign of their in-flight guest. Perhaps if they squinted, a shadowed shifted through the clouds, but it inspired unease as to how there was a dragon overhead and one could be none the wiser.

While each driver gathered their wits in relief, the Twiggs group were able take in their snowy surroundings. It felt a bit colder here than where they'd started, and the field was blanketed with snow yet dotted with the limbs of hibernating trees. 

A man awaited them, fussing with some parchment. Alan spotted him and hurried to offer a bow in greeting. While they conversed in Japanese, Molly encouraged the eldest three kids to bring the luggage down and hand them out. She got a notebook and pencil from her robes for Pierce, and motherly took a cloth to Tobias' face as he'd somehow gotten dirt smudged on his nose during his nap.

The cold, snowy weather did not give them much of a view -- but from what they could see, the area was certainly different to what they were used to. Different plants, and the presence of Japanese people and the language unknown to the Twiggs children. Though Martha was convinced one or two words sounded somewhat familiar; some greetings, an apology, and something food related?

'Our guide, Masuyo, got held up with a personal matter,' Alan said, rejoining them. 'But we'll be all right; just need to floo into Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, and track down our restaurant. Any questions? Does anyone need anything? Got everything?'