When Parker first arrived to the Academy’s grounds, he was absolutely floored. He never imagined that a more beautiful and grandeur castle than Hogwarts existed, but there he stood for several silent moments in complete and total awe of what was before him. One would not have been able to guess that it was an institution so much younger than Hogwarts - it’s sheer presence declaring a sort of historical significance that seemed unreal, like something even more fantastic than in fairy tales. There were no words to properly describe the feeling swelling up in Parker’s chest. If he didn't have all his belongings waiting to be brought up to the dorms, he could have easily stood there all day admiring what he saw.

Getting closer to the castle as he made his way towards where he was told the dorm towers would be, he was able to get a better look at all the magnificent detail hidden in its exterior design. This was so far beyond anything he ever expected and he couldn't even imagine what the interiors might be like. An awe-struck smile plastered itself on his face as he slowly strolled along with his luggage magically dragging behind him.

As much as Parker wanted to just lay down on his wonderful new bed, meet his roommate, and take everything in; he wanted even more to visit and walk around Avalon. Back at Hogwarts , trips to Hogsmeade were a luxury for him. He didn't even have permission to go until his 6th year when he started living with his grandmother. And even then, visits were far and few between. It wasn't like he had money to buy things with, and it only ever made him feel bad to have his friends offer to buy things for him.

It didn't take long to get to Avalon, and just as he expected, it too had a spectacular atmosphere that was so much different from Hogsmeade. He hoped that the tea shop would be open that day, wanting to have a chance to check out where he would be working soon. Hands in his pockets and eyes trying to take in every detail, Parker was off in his own little world as he slowly strolled down the street taking in a deep breath of the fresh country air he missed so much.

Parker figured he shouldn't stay around in the village for too long since he still had a lot to do in the way of unpacking and preparing for the term to actually start (not to mention meeting his roommate), but he definitely wanted to get a thorough first look around before deciding to head back that way. Pacing along the road, he found himself debating whether or not to peek around in a few of the stores. Considering how he'd be strapped for money for a while until he began working at the tea shop, he eventually decided against it. Window browsing would be enough this time around; he would have plenty of opportunities in the future.

That thought caught Parker a little off guard. Not in a negative way, but he considered how odd it was that he never really thought that way when he was attending Hogwarts. He momentarily worried that his new-found optimism wouldn't last for very long only to be followed by another dark period, but for the moment he figured he needed to take it for what is was and deal with the rest as it came. Like he always did. He'd made it through the horror that was fifth year. He could handle whatever small things came his way now no problem. He just needed to keep things in perspective. His grandmother had told him he could write at any time if needed, same with several of his friends.

Parker sighed as he turned around the corner, not paying close attention to his surroundings. Before he even realized what had happened he bumped into a woman and was spun around, her grabbing him by the shoulders presumably to steady herself from falling back. He noticed the change in her hair colour, but in trying to compose himself and apologizing a couple times for running into her, he forgot about it not even a moment later. She returned a sheepish apology as they stepped away from each other, and when she frowned at him Parker felt himself instinctively tense.

"I know you."

His expression darkened. He knew her too. "Y...eah...." Parker knew it was in fifth year. Had to be, because he'd been with Darrien, Michella and the others at the time. At what point of the year that was, he couldn't exactly recall. She apparently didn't remember him at all though, which he wasn't surprised by. He wasn't exactly invisible at Hogwarts, but he wasn't memorable either, which he was thankful for. "I do." He said shortly, trying not to let on how uncomfortable he felt. "Er - I do go to the Academy, I mean... I'm guessing you do too?"

Oh, God, Parker thought to himself. Why did it always seem like he made things so much more awkward than they needed to be... or was it just him? It was so unrealistic to think he'd be able to avoid people from Hogwarts - so why couldn't he just accept that and stop acting so anxious? Getting all dark and broody wasn't going to help anything; in fact, it risked making the situation so much worse.

And this situation wasn't even that bad, she likely didn't even remember exactly where she knew him from. He might have even been remembering the wrong person; or if not - it had been, what, two years? People changed a lot in two years...

Reassured by his own thoughts, he felt himself return a small smile back. He admittedly had been a bit caught off guard at her asking more about himself, stumbling over his words slightly as he responded. "Oh - er - yeah, I'm a first year. Healer In-Training too. You?" he ended simply, albeit somewhat awkwardly not really knowing what else to reply back with.