By Mother Shipton's blessed head it was damn well cold in this country!
Mordecai lifted his right arm and coughed into the crook of his elbow as he paused for a moment and took stock of his surroundings. The day was calm, the wind quiet and the clouds clear yet Mordecai couldn't stop shivering as if a ghost was hovering behind him. Having spent his entire life on continents whose winters were considered scorchers the weather of Great Britain was something of a surprise...and not a good one.
And where the ruddy blazes was he?
Hogwarts. He had to get to the school. However appariating was out of the questions and flying in was a last resort. He had no idea how the Headmaster would take to an utter stranger swooping in out of the blue. No it was best to stick to proper etiquette until he got the job. He didn't haul himself half way around the world just to have his application fall through the cracks over a slight misdemeour of pissing off the school guardian or whatever watch dog they had protecting the place.
But that still didn't resolve him of his issue. Location location location.
With a travel weary sigh Mordecai unsoldered his sailor bag that was packed with his worldly possessions in such a way that it would have baffled any Muggle who tried to open it. Imagine having shoved the contents of an entire house into one small canvas bag? Not to mention an impressive collection of world-class racing brooms. Ah, the simple joys of magic. What would he ever do without them? Ah well, back to more important matters. Giving his back a quick jolt he cracked a kink in his spine that had been nagging at him for the last hour and reached into the pockets of his travel worn cloak for his navigational guide. It looked like an old battered looking brass compass but when he flicked open the scratched lid, the numerous dials and rotating faces proved to differ. He studied the facings for a moment and took note of where the elegant needle pointed to before he snapped the guide shut and shoved it back into the folds of his robes. Right then, east it was.
Hoisting his bag over his shoulder once more Mordecai breathed in deeply before he headed in an easterly direction, right toward the village of Hogsmead and across the path of two strangers. His ears picked up the sound of chatter as he crested a hill and came within view of the small village. Two men, one younger more likely a student and the other older, seemed to be engaged in conversation as he gave them a quick once over. Maybe they were from the school? It was worth a shot.
Raising is left hand into the air in a sign of greeting, Mordecai whistled sharply to catch their attention. The sound echoed across the outskirts and sent a few scavanging crows flapping into the air with an annoyed squawk. Ah, ruddy crows. Always had to complain about something.
"Heyo there mates!" He called out, his deep voice boomed as he gave them a small wave. Mordecai never did things the quiet way. He was a Quidditch player. It was always larger than life and loud as hell with him. Twenty years of locking horns with rowdy blokes in mid-air does that to a person.