Chapter 45: Deku
The train rattled, a relentless rhythm against the backdrop of a misty autumn countryside. My stomach churned, not from the rocking motion, but from a potent cocktail of excitement and sheer, unadulterated terror. Today was it. Today, I, Izuku Midoriya, was starting at UA Academy, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"Have you seen a toad?" a high-pitched voice squeaked from the compartment door. I looked up to see a nervous-looking boy, his spectacles perched precariously on his nose, his uniform rumpled like he'd slept in it. He reminded me of a startled owl.
"Lost him again, Tenya?" a lazy voice drawled from across the compartment. It was Shoto Todoroki, but his expression, usually so stoic, was softened with amusement. He was lounging against the plush velvet seating, a half-eaten box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans in his hand.
The owl-like boy, Tenya, puffed out his chest, attempting an air of authority that completely failed. "Nebula is not 'lost,' Shoto. He has simply…temporarily misplaced himself. And I am perfectly capable of finding him on my own."
Shoto chuckled, popping a bean into his mouth. "Good luck with that, Neville."
I winced. I knew Shoto didn't mean to be unkind, but Tenya, or Neville, as Shoto seemed determined to call him, clearly lacked confidence. He reminded me a little of myself, actually.
The door slid open again, a rush of hurried breath preceding the arrival of a girl I'd seen earlier on the platform. Pink cheeks, an earnest gaze, and a mess of brown hair tumbling around her shoulders gave her an aura of bustling energy. She was already in her uniform, pristine and pressed.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice a little breathless. "Has anyone seen a suitcase? I seem to have…misplaced mine."
Shoto raised an eyebrow. "Lost a toad and a suitcase in five minutes? Hogwarts is going to be an adventure for you two."
The girl ignored him, turning to me. "Are you alright? You look a little green around the gills."
"Just…a little nervous," I admitted, flushing. "Izuku Midoriya. Nice to meet you."
"Ochaco Uraraka!" she said, her smile bright and genuine. "And this is…?" She looked expectantly at Tenya.
"Tenya Iida. And he is no longer a seven-year-old boy Izuku, my older brother's name is Tensei Iida!" Tenya huffed, adjusting his glasses. "And I do not appreciate being called Neville."
"No need to get upset, Neville. I mean, Iida," Ochaco said soothingly. "It's just a bit of fun, right? But you really should keep a better grip on your things."
She then took a commanding stance. "Now, have either of you read 'Hogwarts, A History' yet? It's vital for understanding the complexities of the school's founding and magical traditions! Honestly, it's appalling how many students arrive without having even glanced at it. And do either of you know much about wandlore? Because the choice of wand material and core is crucial for magical compatibility!"
I blinked. She spoke so quickly, her words tumbling over each other with passionate intensity. She seemed to know so much already, and she wasn't afraid to show it. It was…impressive.
"Well, no, I haven't read 'Hogwarts, A History', I've been busy getting ready but I do have a wand and I'm ready to learn" I managed to stammer out, feeling suddenly inadequate next to her whirlwind of knowledge.
Tenya shuffled his feet, his face turning a shade of red that rivaled his uniform tie. "I…I focused primarily on mastering basic spells. 'Hogwarts, A History' is on my reading list, however. A very lengthy one, I might add."
"No time to waste. The future is here and we need to make full use of it." She says looking at I and Tenya.
Shoto, meanwhile, was watching Ochaco with a curious glint in his eye. He popped another bean into his mouth, his expression unreadable. "Sounds fascinating. Perhaps you could quiz us later, Uraraka."
The train whistle shrieked, a long, drawn-out sound that echoed through the carriage. "We're almost there!" I exclaimed, my anxiety resurfacing with a vengeance.
Ochaco squeezed my arm reassuringly. "Don't worry, Midoriya. We'll be alright. And we'll find your suitcase and Tenya's toad too," she added, turning a sympathetic smile towards Tenya. "Together."
As the train lurched to a halt and the doors hissed open, I took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. Maybe, just maybe, this crazy, daunting, magical journey wouldn't be so terrifying after all. Not if I had a friend like Ochaco on my side. My first day at, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, had truly begun.