Snippet #2591390

September 1st, 1847

"Name?"

"Ennis Harlow. Transfer student."

The teenager taking down names for the house Saelin raised an eyebrow, then went back to looking through the list of names. "...right. You're 16, right?" At their nod, he continued. "So, 6th year then. Well, you're roomed with Saelin right now, but in a couple days we're starting to have dorms with inter-house groups. So you'll be roomed with three other girls from Capelle, Gierna, or-"

"Yep, we're done. Thanks." Ennis snatched the dorm key and turned to leave. "Nice meeting you, handsome."

There were people running back and forth across the courtyard, smiling and greeting each other. Ennis didn't know anyone, but that was hardly going to be a problem. They were the type of person who made friends with everyone and their mother. Talking one of the 5th years into giving them her own map, Ennis quickly located the Saelin dorm and made their way off, with a thank you and a blown kiss to the confused (and blushing) girl.

They had made it maybe halfway to the building before Ennis collided with a fast-moving short ball of energy.

"Ah, shit-"

"My fault- Wasn't looking where I was going-" Ennis's voice trailed off when the girl she had collided with's hair changed from a dark brown to neon blue. Their eyes made the jump from her hair to the hat laying on the ground, and Ennis hastily crammed it back onto the girl's hair before the two of them could draw any more attention to themselves. "Right, well, let's get you up- Come on-"

Ennis hauled the girl back to her feet, then brushed her off as best they could. "You all right?"

"Fine," Came the terse answer.

"Neat trick with the hair, by the way." The girl did a double-take, a disbelieving look on her face. Ennis winked. "I've got some pretty good hair dyes if you wanted," they added, pointing to the teal patch on their head. "Might not do anything to an elf, but-"

"Keep it down, do you mind?" The girl's eyes glanced to the people around them, nervous.

Ennis put their hands up in surrender. "Yep, yep, got it."

"Thanks."

Ennis lowered their hands, then stuck one out. "Let's do this right. Ennis Harlow, nice to meet you."

The girl shook it with 'who the hell is this' smile. "Keely Anasova."