It was said, once upon pages made of demonskin, the World began with a ‘hiss’. Yet today’s journey starts with the absences of sound, the Road swirling in fog from the Black Coach’s arrival. As the sky darkens and the fog grows even heavier, tis the sound of the Black Hound howling upon scenting its prey that finally breaks this unnatural silences. Then comes the sound of numerous hoofs pounding the black stone as the Black Road snakes in to dwell upon this part of this world for only a moment. In the time it takes for a foot to rest upon the dray step, and the carriage door to open and shut upon a life…

As jingle of the harnesses echo, the eight black Friesian that pull the coach come into view. Behind them, upon his seat is Caine wielding his whip, his face ever hidden. His Hound snapping at the horse’s hoofs before circling wide to impose itself beyond any escape. The Harrow has arrived, to claim its passengers.

As is his custom, Caine doesn’t move from his seat for a returning student. Only for First Years does he move, jumping down to accept their Bone Pale Letter with a sneer as his Hound growls behind. Scrutinizing the letter under the single silver lamp that hangs to the side of the coach door while the craved decorations upon the coach. Its foul-temped cherubs and felicitous demons come alive to gather the luggage and stow it away before returning to their perch.

The door swings easily upon its silver latches, the insides of the coach roomy enough for four adults to sit comfortable. The seats plush black leather, embroidered with silver thread that sparkles under the couch lamps from outside. Yet this is just one of the places where a student may sit, for as Professor Delwin describes, this is just the focal point of what can be called the ‘clasp’. From here, like on a pearl necklace, hangs a hundred coaches to sit and socialize till the traveling is done. A simple two taps with one’s wand on the inner door handle and vocalizing a number, will the door open up to the designated destination. None are forbidden but the first and the ninety-five and up, which are reserved for the school’s prefects.

But be warned, never ever, leave by the door a student entered no matter which coach you find yourself in till at either at Amber or your home. For if you do, who knows what heaven or hell you could find yourself in, off the Black Road.

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