Author's Note:
I was working at Disney's Hollywood Studios and had a dear friend over at Universal. He mention how as a 'Wizard' he has to have a 'magical' presence about himself around the guests. Having done so as a Tower of Terror Bellhop, I told him to do a character sheet to give himself a back story and an unique attitude. I started this one as an example for him. I had no intention of continuing it, but it would sometimes appear in my thoughts and dreams. So in a way… it writes itself...
His cup of coffee rattled gently as the Hogwarts Express made its way east. Lost in thought about starting his third year, Van didn't mind the silence in his compartment. Ever since his second year he had ridden alone, but that was to be expected. Of his only friends, one would arrive only by boat and the other would be engaged with the other members of her house. Yet this is how he liked it, listening to the sounds of the train as it carried on it's way. Van took a long sip of his coffee before setting it back down on the folded daily prophet, which he had already studied twice. 'We'll be there within the hour', he thought to himself as he got to his feet. 'Might as well stretch my legs before our arrival.' At almost 2 meters tall, he carefully ducked thru the compartment door and was instantly met with the sounds of excited first years. Chatting away in their little groups, all silly in the moment. Van smirked as he wondered who would be joining him in Slytherin this year…
Rubeus Hagrid and Argus Filch stood side by side, awaiting the fast approaching train. Just like every year, Hagrid would take the first years by boat and Filch would lead the others, by carriage, to the grand hall. Filch always hated this and was beyond miserable by the late hour of the arrival. "Right then! First years come out and follow me!" shouted Hagid as the train came to a complete stop. Right on que, dozens of the little buggers piled out onto the platform. As Hagird and his line of pathetic students headed to the lake, Filch secretly hoped the big oafs boat would sink. The rest of the students walked quickly across the platform to be taken up to the grand hall, all interested in the sorting and start of the new year. Quickly the platform grew silent as all the commotion headed toward the school. About to head to the last carriage, Filch noticed the cold shadow cast beside him.
"Good evening, Mr Filch" said Van as he joined him on the platform.
"Ah, Mr. Rookwood, back again for another year of trouble", sneered Filch. Of the student body, there were few students that had his approval and Van was one of them.
"Of course not, Sir. But if you could please drop me off at the dungeons, I'd owe you one."
"Skipping the welcome again, I see?" Filch laughed "I wish I could skip them as well! I'll be sure to let the professor know you've arrived."
"Much appreciated, Sir."
And with that, the two boarded the final carriage.