In Need of a Distraction
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 11-16-02 09:49
Orei practically paced every room on both floors of the house. She only had one or two days left before she started at her new school. She generally wasn't nervous about starting at a new school, but some how this was different. She was in a new country, a new place. Though, something inside her knew that she would fit in just fine at Hogwarts.
"Oreileah McCoi! Stop pacing right now! You are making me dizzy." her mother said from the couch as she watched her daughter pace through the living room for the fifteenth time. "You will do fine at Hogwarts!" she said, finally reaching an arm out and pulling her daughter into her lap and a hug.
"I know Mom, but I'm just really nervous. Ya know?" she said leaning against her mother's chest, resting her head on her shoulder.
"I know sweetheart. I know. But, this is where you are supposed to be." she said placing a kiss on her daughter's forehead.
"Why don't we go out for lunch." she said with a smile. "Your father mentioned a place near where his office is. I think he said it was called the "Leaky Cauldron" or something like that."
"Alright Mom. Let me go change, and I'll be right with you." she said as she hopped from her mother's lap and ran upstairs to her room.
She reappeared only a few minutes later wearing a pair of shorts and her favorite Fiona Apple t-shirt. On her feet were a pair of sandals. "Alright Mom, lets get going I'm starving!!" she said as she made for the door.
Her mother chuckled and followed her daughter out. They got in the second car, then climbed out, deciding that it was a nice enough day to walk. They walked talking about anything and everything, except Orei leaving for Hogwarts in a short amount of time.
Finally arriving at the Leaky Cauldron, they entered and found a quiet booth in the back. Orei and her mom looked at the menu, and blinked a bit. ~Butterbeer?~ she thought, now that sounded interesting.
She leaned back in the seat of the booth and looked at her Mom. "What are you going to get?" she asked.
"I don't know." she said, looking over the menu, the waiter came over and they both said they needed a bit more time before ordering. He nodded and turned his attentions to few other customers.
Packing for a Journey
Author: Annie Paul
Date: 11-16-02 14:46
I went over my things and made sure all was packed, I looked at the nightstand next to my bed and saw the ticket. "Platform 9 3/4. How in the world do I get to it?" I wondered I looked around and saw my cricket bat. "Oh, I almost forgot," I said and picked up my bat. "I can't do anything without my lucky bat." I then gently packed it away and went to bed.
Not knowing what was in store for me I saw my robes hanging up on my closet door and with a smile I went to sleep and dreamed of magic and what my future school would look like.
Shopping Spree
Author: Mirai
Date: 11-17-02 02:30
"Muuum," Mirai whined, practically wanting to tear the door of the bathroom. "When are you going to be satisfied with your appearance?" she asked. "We're only going to have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron downstairs then help me buy all the things I need, including my school robes!"
"Oh, shush, Mai. I'll be out in a minute," her mum called out.
Mirai groaned. "You've told me that for the last five minutes, mum," she pointed out. At that, Mutsumi got out of the bathroom looking flushed. "Thank you," Mirai said, as she dragged her mom's arm to the door.
They went down the stairs and found an empty table. Tom got their order of two butterbeers and sandwiches. Glancing around, she noticed several other teenagers there. One looked like her age who is drinking what she thinks is butterbeer, another younger who is looking at the menu, and of course, the usual customers of the pub.
"Thanks, Tom," Mirai said when Tom handed them their orders.
"Mai," her mum started, "maybe you'd like to meet some of the kids here. I think they're students of Hogwarts, too." Mutsumi nodded to the direction of the other customers.
She looked around her once again. "Maybe... I don't know. I can't just walk up to them now, can I? We'll just see how it goes, no?" she answered, glancing around again before taking a bite on her sandwich. "Besides," she continued after swallowing, "I think I'd meet a lot of people in Diagon Alley. We've been here for about, what date is today? July 31st? A month then."
"I know love, but you have to try and be assertive for once," Mutsumi argued.
"Fine, fine," Mai answered. "How about I go talk to that guy," pointing to the guy who's about her age, "after we finish eating." Her mum nodded and finally left her to enjoy her bread.
Feeling Sheepish
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-17-02 11:52
Lawrence sighed and finished his butterbeer. He needed to finish up some shopping before he had to leave for Hogwarts. Though he truly wasn't up to doing much of anything right about now, he knew it needed to get done, with the new term starting so soon.
He paid Tom for the butterbeer and stood. He needed to get to Diagon Alley. Though he didn't know just how to get there. He sighed and made his way to the back of the Leaky Cauldron, after asking Tom how to get to Diagon Alley. He blinked and looked at the stone wall.
~Well this is going to be interesting.~ he thought. He turned around when he heard some one behind him. He smiled when he saw a pretty girl behind him.
"Hello. My name's Lawrence Masterson. Yours?" he said offering her his hand, and a slightly sheepish smile, for not being able to find how to get to Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley Talk
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 11-17-02 13:19
Vera smiled at the boy and took his hand. "I'm Vera Delgety." She said with a heavy Scottish accent. "Nice to meet you Mr. Masterson." They shook hands.
"Please, just call me Lawrence." He said.
"Well then Lawrence, goin' to Diagon Alley?" Vera asked. Lawrence gave a confused look. "Yes actually...umm...Ladies first..?" He grinned.
Vera chuckled to herself. She figured he was new, but decided to go along with him. "Why thank you kindly." She nodded, and tapped her wand on several bricks.
Lawrence watched carefully. He had to remember what to do for next time. The door opened and Vera lead the way in. "Headin' anywhere in particular?"
"Not really. Just wanted to look around for a bit." Lawrence replied.
"Okay, well...You're welcome to fallow me around if ya like. I don' mind a bit."
He quickly agreed to her offer. Vera had some books to get so they went to Flourish & Blotts. All the while Lawrence looked around trying to get a feel for the place. Vera ran into some friends in the store. She introduced them to Lawrence. They all said "Hello" and talked a little bit, then were on their way.
Next stop for the two was Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. "So you're from Australia?" Vera finally asked as she took a side off her cone.
"Actually, yes...How'd you figure I was new?" He asked.
Vera laughed. "I didn't say your were new..! Just if you were from Australia." Lawrence blushed a little.
"Gave that away didn't I? Oh well...Yeah, I'm from Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. A nice place on the coastline."
"Sounds nice. I love the ocean." Vera smiled. "Australia's a beautiful place, why'd you come to England?"
Lawrence stopped drinking down his shake suddenly. A look of sadness befell his face, but was quickly coverd. "Uh...My grandmother is, sick. So I thought I'd come and stay with her for a while." He lied, and looked up at Vera to see if she bought it. She appeard to. "I see...Well that's right kind of you. She's not...too bad is she? I hope all is well."
"Oh she'll be just fine." The truth was, Lawrence didn't want to tell Vera the real reason for him moving to England. He just wasn't ready to share it.
Lawrence was glad to accompany Vera around Diagon Alley. He looked around Flourish & Blotts, he picked up a book that he found interesting, and bought it. He was almost certain that he would need it eventually. Then the pair went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, Vera got a cone, while Lawrence got a milk shake.
She asked why he left Australia and came to London. He quickly thought of a lie, that he hoped she would buy. He breathed an internal sigh of relief when she did buy the small lie he had told. Truth be told, he wasn't ready to announce to the world, Muggle or Wizarding that his parents were dead. Though most likely all of Wizarding Austraila knew, if not a few other places.
He sighed and took another sip of his shake. "So what year are you Vera?" he asked, finally turning the conversation away from him and his reasons for being in London. "I'm going to be a sixth year." she said. "What about you Lawrence?" she asked.
"Fifth year transfer from Sydney's School of Wizardry. It's an all boys school." he said taking another sip of his shake and smiling at Vera. "It was the best school in Australia for Wizards. My parents made sure I had the best when it came to my schooling." he couldn't help hide the sadness that suddenly crept into his voice at the mention of his parents.
He quickly lowered his gaze to his milkshake and then finally looked up at Vera, who didn't comment on the note of sadness in his voice. "Very interesting Lawrence. I have a feeling you will like it at Hogwarts." she said with a smile.
"Love, the boy you wanted to meet is already gone," Mutsumi said to her daughter Mirai who groaned.
"I didn't want to meet him, mum," she answered, then drowned the last of her butterbeer. "You were forcing me to meet someone new, remember?"
"Oh, alright," her mum relented. "Well, off we go now. You still have to get measured for your school robes and uniform."
"Ok, let's go," Mirai said as she stood up. They went to the back of the Leaky Cauldron and tapped the bricks.
Mirai dragged her mum to Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasion's.
"Hi!," she said to the seamstress.
"Hello there! New at Hogwarts?" Madam Malkin asked.
"Yes," Mirai answered as Madam Malkin automatically had her tape measure go around her, fitting her for her robes and uniform.
"Arms up, that's good," Madam Malkin said. "Ok, that's finished. You can get all your robes up and ready to wear tomorrow."
"Thanks!" Mirai answered and went out of the store, closely followed by her mother.
"Where to now, love?" Mutsumi asked.
"Umm," Mirai paused, looking around. "How about some ice cream before we head to the bookstore? I have to buy my school books."
"Oh, and look," her mum pointed, "there's that guy from the Leaky Cauldron."
"Stop it mum," she answered. "It would seem like you're matching us up."
"Am I now?"
Mirai sighed. "Let's just go, ok?" She said, walking towards the ice cream parlor and taking a seat next to the guy's table. "Happy now?" she asked as she tipped her head towards the next table.
Taking the First Step
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 11-19-02 08:42
"Happy now?" she asked as she tilted her head towards the next table.
Shaking her head, she ordered ice cream for her and her mum. When their order arrived, she ogled at the masterpiece of a sundae before allowing herself to dig in. Mirai was enjoying her ice cream and talking to her mum about past events that she has forgotten the dare her mother had given her earlier at the Leaky Cauldron. That is, almost.
"Maya has been owling me almost everyday," she was saying, as she licked off some cream from her spoon. "She misses us already, especially when she has to deal with grandmama alone!" she finished, laughing alongside Mutsumi who gestured an imitation of someone fanning herself when she was about to say the word grandmama.
"Love," her mother started, dabbing the corners of her eyes as she struggled to calm herself from laughing, "you have to talk to him soon, you know?"
"Huh?" she asked with a puzzled expression on her face.
Mutsumi pointed someone behind her, "Him?"
Mirai glanced at her back and saw a guy and a girl talking to each other. The guy! she thought, and groaned inwardly. She thought she had her mother forget what she asked of her earlier. She should have known better.
"Fine, fine," she grumbled. How am I going to go about it? she thought, as she slowly turned around to fully face the occupants of the next table. I haven't done this before! she said to herself frustatedly. Better get on with it then, she sighed as she felt her mother poke her shoulder. She glanced back at her mother to show her an irritated look before focusing all her attention to the two people at the next table.
She put on her brightest smile, inhaled deeply, and said, "Hi! Are you students of Hogwarts, too?"
A Pleasant Third Addition
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 11-19-02 12:00
Lawrence turned around at the sound of the voice behind him. He smiled when he saw Mirai. "Actually, yes, I'm Lawrence, and a fifth year transfer from Australia, and this is Vera, who's going to be a sixth year at Hogwarts." he said, introducing himself and his current companion.
He took another sip of his shake, inwardly thankful for the interruption, hoping that Vera hadn't intended on asking him any more questions about his family. He was not yet ready to talk about the horrible truth. He was still trying to come to grips with it himself.
He ran a hand through his hair, and flashed Mirai a grin, before taking another sip of his shake. "So, now that you know who we are, are you going to grace us with your name?" he asked with a playful poke to Mirai's shoulder, and a brow arched.
As he waited for her answer he made sure to pay attention to both girls, this was something he wanted to enjoy, because something like this never happened back in Sydney.
He was starting to think coming to Hogwarts wouldn't be such a bad thing, because it would be co ed, which means if he did find a girl to be with, he would actually get to spend time with her during the day. Not like when he was in Sydney, because he went to an all boys' magic school.
Diagon Alley...Again
Author: Squizzlie Snaps
Date: 11-19-02 13:01
Squizzlie just couldn't stay away from Diagon Alley. It was just too cool of a place to stay away from! But this time he brought his cat Felix, who strutted along side of Squizzlie's leg, and they both went around Diagon Alley together.
First they went to get some ice cream at none other than Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. He shared some ice cream with Felix. He had no clue what flavor he gotten, but it was a great flavor anyhow...
Once he sat down, he heard some other people from behind him. They sounded like they were having fun, which made Squizzlie think about school. "What if I'm not accepted by anyone?...." he said to Felix. "I know I'll be accepted as a student, but that's not what I mean."
Felix then jumped onto the table rubbing her furry little face against Squizzlie's cheek. Squizzlie grinned and scraped some ice cream onto his finger to give to Felix.
Unscheduled Vacation
Author: Aaron Miller
Date: 11-19-02 17:39
I stroll into Diagon Alley behind a very slow, elderly witch. When she stumbles, I'm Johnny-on-the-spot to prevent her from falling. I'm rewarded with a grandmotherly pat on the cheek and being told 'wat uh nice, good lad" I am. I chuckle to myself as she walks away with a wink and the parting words, Oi 'ave uh gran'doughter wats single if ye be interested. Jes ask fer me in tha Cauldron. Peg Tudor's me name."
After making a money exchange at Gringotts, I walk back to a new sandwich place I'd seen on the way to the bank. The menu is filled with tempting items so I work my way through one butterbeer before I've made a decision. I take a sip from the second butterbeer and lean back to relax and watch the people passing by.
I guess I dozed off because next thing I know the waitress is tapping me on the shoulder. An enormous sandwich along with a pretty large side salad are neatly, and appetizingly arranged on the plate in front of me. I grin sheepishly and thank the young woman before digging in. As I eat, I read the latest edition of The Daily Prophet and try not to feel guilty for being out on such a nice day instead of wading through the backlog of work waiting on my desk. I should feel even more guilty for picking a place to relax where my beeper won't work.
For nearly two months now I've been working overtime and weekends every day with the exception of three days off that entire time. With one person on my team out on maternity leave and another who was badly injured in car wreck, I'd been picking up the slack ever since. I'd gone in this morning and been slogging away when in walks the boss. He said he didn't need anything but stood there staring before finally clearing his throat.
"Aaron, you aren't due for more vacation time for awhile yet but I'm giving you some anyway. After Bernie gets married, you'll be a major part of keeping his desk cleared until he's back from his honeymoon. Joanna won't be back for another six weeks at least and I got word this morning that Jerry won't be released from hospital for another month and then will need rehabilitation for a couple of months after that. I want you to take a break. Don't come into work until the Monday after Bernie's wedding, the twelfth. If there's anything for which you are desperately needed we'll call or page you."
I'd nodded and thanked him then returned to the work at hand. He paused in the doorway and asked, "Well, what are you waiting for? Go. Time off starts this very second, Aaron. You need time off before you burn out."
After thanking him again, I'd handed over what I was currently working on to my secretary, went straight home to change, and then walked the short way to The Leakey Cauldron. In the back of my mind I've been hoping to see Bill but a few days ago he let me know he was being recalled to work in Egypt. Bill did assure me though he'd be back for Bernie's and Andie's rehearsal dinner and the wedding. I hope he and I get a chance to talk in private that weekend, and since Bill's supposed to stay at my apartment we should, because I have gotten the distinct impression there's something bothering him.
A child's voice jubilantly calling my name interrupts my thoughts. I look up to see Deak running towards me with Drake close behind. Happy to see the two boys, I invite them to join me and treat them to something to eat. Thoughts of anything or anyone else are soon set aside as I listen to Deak's running chatter and Drake filling me in on how his last school year went and how soon the next one will be here.
New Company
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 11-19-02 17:51
"Hi Lawrence, Vera," Mirai said, nodding to the two. "I'm Mirai. I'm a fifth year transferee, too, from Sweden," she continued, holding onto her smile. Thankfully, Lawrence and Vera didn't seem irritated when she interrupted them.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you or anything," she said, looking at both of them. "But my mum there," cocking her head towards Mutsumi's direction, who was watching the exchange with interest, "wanted me to know people before school starts." Lawrence was nodding with some sort of mischievous grin on his face and Vera just smiled at her as she explained the sudden introduction.
Mirai looked at her mum who was watching them intently, a grin on her face and a laughing glint on her eyes. She knows her mum is controlling herself from laughing as she watched her struggle making the first move.
"Mum," she started, "these are Lawrence and Vera. And yes, they're in Hogwarts, too." Mutsumi nodded, the grin never leaving her face. Mirai shook her head and reached for her unfinished sundae then turned back to her new acquaintances. She was starting to say something when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Love, I'll be going back to the inn, alright?" Mutsumi said when Mirai looked up to see who it was. "Enjoy your talk, ok?" she said as she ruffled her daughter's hair affectionately, earning her an irritated look.
"Muuum," Mirai said, "don't embarrass me like that in front of my new friends," as she looked at Lawrence and Vera who were grinning at the sight.
Mutsumi just chuckled as she stood up and said, "I'll leave you now, ok. And don't forget your books and some food for Artemis." With that, she left her daughter who was looking at her with disbelief.
"Sorry about that," Mirai said, "You wouldn't mind if I join your table, wouldn't you?" she asked. And from the look on Lawrence's face, she assumed no. So, she picked up her things, stood up, and took a seat next to Lawrence.
"So, how do you like it here so far?"
Lawrence smiled as Mirai joined he and Vera. He looked over at one of the other tables, seeing a younger boy sitting there he reached over and tapped the boy on the shoulder. "Hey, you don't have to sit alone, you can always join us." he said before turning his gaze to Mirai.
"Well, it is a lot different from Australia. But, I think it is something I can get used to." He took another sip of his shake and set the cup back down on the table. His gaze again drifting to the young boy and his cat. "Come on, we don't bite, I promise." he said with a laugh.
He sighed softly lifting a hand to run through his short hair. "So Mirai, excited about the school year starting soon? What about you Vera?" he asked, knowing he was looking forward to it so he could throw himself in his school work and forget about the tragedy that brought him to London.
His thoughts wondered for a bit as he listened to them both talk. His gaze occasionally moving to the younger boy sitting not to far from them. Hoping that he would join them. He snapped himself out of his thoughts and looked to both girls. "I can't wait for it to start. I've always done really well in school, and from the looks of things, I'll most likely be taking some courses that aren't offered in my old school."
Lunch then Diagon Alley
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 11-20-02 10:15
As Tom came back over to their table, Orei and her mom told him that they'd both take a sandwich as well as a butterbeer each. Tom went off to get their orders ready. "Well, it looks like things will be good for you here Orei. And, you only have a short time before the term starts. You'll be very busy."
She smiled and paid Tom when their meal arrived. "Excuse me, where could we go to get a few more items for my daughter to take to Hogwarts with her?" she asked, when Tom turned around.
"Ah, well, you'll be wantin' to go to Diagon Alley. The wall in the backyard of this building, there's a brick wall. Tap your wand on the bricks and it will open lettin' you in." She nodded and made sure Orei made note of the instructions.
"Thank you very much sir." Orei said and took a sip of her butter beer. She canted her head at the taste, but it wasn't all bad. She took another sip, then set about eating her sandwich.
Soon they had finshed their lunch and rose to move back to where Tom had told them. Next stop Diagon Alley.
"I can't wait for it to start. I've always done really well in school, and from the looks of things, I'll most likely be taking some courses that aren't offered in my old school." Lawrence said.
Vera and Mirai gazed at him. "Really now?" Vera looked over at Mirai and gave her an approved look. "He's cute and smart!" The girls laughed.
Lawrence didn't really know how to react to that comment. He just sipped the last of his sake and changed the subject. "Well, I'm finished. What shall we do now, Vera?"
"You're askin' me?" Vera questioned with a raised brow.
"Yeah," Mirai chimed in. "You're the "native" here. What next?"
Vera thought a moment. "Uh...Well...How's 'bout we go check out Gambol & Japes. It's a joke store." She said with a sly grin. The other two agreed.
As Vera stood up, a black cat jumped down at her feet from the table next to them. "Whoa! Watch it kitty!" She said. Then a boy, apparently it's owner, stooped down to pick the cat up.
"I'm sorry about that. She tends to do that sometimes." Said the boy.
Vera nodded not really listening to what he said. She was more wanting to know just who he was. So, she asked. "What's your name lad?"
Startled at the question he answered. "Um, I, it's Squizzlie...Squizzlie Snaps."
"Interesting name," Mirai said. "Would you like to join us Squizzlie? We're on our way to Gambol & ...uh..."
"Gambol & Japes." Vera finished folding her arms. "Can we go now? Joining us or no, Squizzlie?"
"Uh...sure!" The little boy answered.
