Time to Leave
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 11-30-02 03:04
Orei's mom had woken her daughter up at about seven thirty, Sunday, September 1, and made sure that she had everything packed and everything ready to go to Hogwarts. "Alright Orei, it's time for breakfast. Now get out of bed and get dressed." she heard her mom say as she left the bedroom.
"Alright mom, I'll be down in a few minutes. At least let me shower first." she muttered as she grabbed her clothes and headed to the bathroom. She showered quickly, which was just the thing she needed to get her to wake up. She smiled as she ran downstairs. Dad was already loading things into the car as she entered the kitchen and her mom handed her a plate of eggs and bacon and toast.
"Thanks Mom. This is going to be GREAT!" she said with a grin as she grabbed a bottle of orange juice from the fridge and poured herself a glass. She heard the hoot of Aage from the hallway. "Dad! Don't put him in the car just yet! I want him to ride in the back seat with me!"
"He has to go in the car now Oreileah, or else he might get left behind." her dad yelled from the hallway. "Alright dad. I'll be ready to go in about ten minutes." she said with a grin.
Finally once the breakfast dishes had been washed and put away, it was time for the McCoi's to head to Kings Cross Station and send their daughter off to Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.
Orei looked at her ticket as she entered Kings Cross Station in London. "Mom, it says Platform nine and three quarters. There can't be any such thing, unless it is magical."
"Orei, you'd suspect anything less than it being magical, given the type of school it is." mom said with a laugh as they made their way toward the area between platform nine and ten.
They ran in to someone else who looked like they knew what they were doing. "You know now to get to platform nine and three quarters?" her mom asked the gentleman that passed. "Aye, right through the signs between platforms nine and ten. Best get a running start young lady." he said with a smile.
"Thank you very much sir." she said as she pushed the cart that had her things to the opposite end of the signs and then kissed her mom and dad good bye and made a running start toward the brick wall across from her, running right through it.
"Well, that was interesting." she said with a smile as she looked around at all the students gathered around and boarding the train. She listened to the instruction of where to leave her things, and she made her way into the train and found a place to spend the ride.
She sighed and looked out the window, "Well Orei, here's to a new start at a new school. Hopefully everything will go alright." she said to herself. She leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes for a few minutes.
Lawrence had been up bright and early this morning and waited rather impatiently for his Aunt to get ready, and sped through his breakfast. He had already gotten his things loaded into the car. To say he was a bit anxious to get to Kings Cross Station and board the Hogwarts Express was an understatement, but part of the excitement was only for the start of the new school year, the remainder of it was because he would get to see Vera again.
"Alright Lawrence, I'm ready." he heard his Aunt say as she made her way downstairs. "What's got you so impatient? Oh, wait is it that girl you met earlier this summer?"
She knew from the grin on her nephew's face that that was the case. "You are just like your Father you know that. He was just like that when he first met your mother. I never heard the end of it until they got married." Lawrence laughed, but there was a twinge of sadness in the laughter.
"Well on that note, lets get you to the station and well see you again at Christmas break." she said with a smile as they left the house and drove the short distance to the station. Once they had his things loaded onto a luggage cart they made their way into the station and Lawrence immediately began looking around. When they reached platforms nine and ten, Lawrence was beaming. He saw Vera standing in a short line of students who were running through the pole between platforms nine and ten.
"Vera!" he called out and made his way over to her. "How have you been?" He stopped just short of her, fighting the urge to give her a hug, and tell her just how much he had missed her.
"Hey Lawrence! I've been pretty good. Trying to keep busy." she said with a smile.
"Oh, Vera, I'd like you to meet my Aunt Maribel. Aunt Maribel this is Vera." he said as he introduced them. "Vera's going to be a sixth year at Hogwarts this year."
The three chatted for a few minutes and once the line had gone, it was time for Vera and Lawrence to get on to the platform and then aboard the Hogwarts Express. "Have a good trip Lawrence and behave yourself during the school year. It was nice meeting you Vera."
She watched as the two boarded the platform like the other students had done and then she headed for home.
Lawrence and Vera were almost inseparable as they made their way towards one of the cars. Sydney, Lawrence's cat, had taken residence up on his shoulder. There was no way that she would leave his side. "Syd, you always were a bit peculiar." he said shaking his head and scratching the cat behind the ears.
"Vera, would you like to sit with me for the ride to Hogwarts?" he asked, blushing a bit. ~Great, now I get nervous!~ he thought as he waited patiently for Vera's answer.
Platform 9 3/4
Author: Cho Chang
Date: 11-30-02 13:31
Cho smiles eagerly as she arrives at the dividing column, she goes at it at a run, ready to get away from the muggle world, she slows to a walk as she comes to the other side, loading her things then getting on the train, she looks around with a contented sigh. She'd be going home soon, for that's what Hogwarts was for her now, her home. This would be her last year there, what would she do at the end? Maybe she just wouldn't graduate, she'd refuse politely and stay forever and ever, like the ghosts.
She shakes her head at her own silly thoughts as she finds an empty room, she takes a seat by the window and watches as her other schoolmates board the train, keeping a sharp lookout for her friends in order to catch them if they pass her room.
Oblivious
Author: Marybell Devons
Date: 11-30-02 13:40
Now, her brother had mentioned something about running at a column? No sirree Orlando, I will not be crashing stupidly into a column. Marybell politely taps a guard on the shoulder, "Would you mind informing me how to get to platform nine and three quarters?"
The guard looks at her, annoyed, "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today and am not responding to that comment, missy." He stalks off, muttering about crazy kids these days.
With a frown, she turns around, looking for someone going to Hogwarts, when right before her very eyes, someone runs into the column and just disappears! Exasperated that her brother was right, Marybell goes at it at a walk, not really believing it as she is transported to the correct platform. In a rather cross mood, she loads her things and gets on the train, looking for someone to let her sit with them.
Introductions
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 11-30-02 17:26
Early Sunday morning, Hermione and Ginny woke, got dressed and prepared for their journey to Hogwarts. Neither one thought to knock next door to make sure that the boys were doing the same thing. Knowing Harry, though, he probably didn't sleep last night as it is and was surely counting down the hours until he'd finally be home.
The girls met the boys downstairs for a light breakfast and enjoyed some chatter about the return to Hogwarts, which included topics like Quidditch and the new DADA professor. The Leaky Cauldron was packed with other Hogwarts students, such as Prescott Clearwater, who came to join their table. Harry didn't look too pleased when Ginny reached across the table to clasp Prescott's hand with her own.
At one point, Ian leapt up from the table and hurried across the room to speak with a girl. He brought her to the table and introduced her as "Gainsie, an old friend from Beauxbatons" who would be attending Hogwarts this year.
Before long, it became time to go to Kings Cross Station. With mountains of luggage, the large group arrived and went straight for Platforms 9 and 10. When they got there, the veterans took the rookies aside and explained the process on how to get to Platform 9 3/4.
Hermione turned to Gabriel and said, "Just run straight at the barrier. Basically, that's all there is to it."
One by one, everyone ran through the barrier and came out on the other side with brilliant smiles upon their shining faces. The sight of the great, scarlet steam engine brought enormous excitement to some and nervousness to others. Hermione certainly belonged to the former group.
The many trunks and animal cages were stowed away, and then the group went and found two adjacent compartments. Ginny, Prescott, Ian and Aerith occupied one, while the other four, Harry, Ron, Gabriel and Hermione occupied the one across the aisle.
They were just getting comfortable when a head poked into the compartment.
"Hi, Hermione!" The smiling girl inclined her head to the others in the compartment.
Hermione returned her smile and said, "Hi Annabella! Did you have a great summer?"
"It was all right. Mind if I join you guys? All the other compartments are filling up."
Hermione exchanged glances with the three boys in her compartment and then turned back to Annabella. "Sure, come on in!" After the other Gryffindor joined the group, Hermione said, "You already know Harry and Ron, but let me introduce you to my dear friend, Gabriel Baine. Gabriel, this is Annabella Mayberry."
On My Way...and a Bit of Advice
Author: Emma Riley
Date: 11-30-02 17:40
My mother and father had shut the restaurant down for the morning so they could come see me off. I was to take the shuttle that transported the few resident children of Hogsmeade to Hogwarts. We arrived just before 9:00 am, and watched as the belongings of the other children were hoisted into the coach.
"Now there, little lass! You must be Emma Riley! We'd almost thought you'd decided not to join us!" The tall man in charge huffed as the other children snickered.
"Alright, Emma, best be off. Put on a brave face!" My father wrapped me in a comforting hug, followed be one from my mother. They wished me well and good luck and promised to write often.
My bags were scooped up by the tall man, whose name I learned was Mr. Switch, and placed next to the others. I still cradled Reginald's cage in my arms as I moved toward the shuttle coach's door.
"Whoa now, no critters inside. The little guy has to go in here with the baggage!" The other children snickered again.
"But . . ."
"No buts! Give him here and I'll make sure he's got a good seat." He placed my ferret next to a large caged owl, who looked at him hungrily. I swallowed hard and turned back to the doorway, quickly entering the coach. It looked much more spacious on the inside than it did from the out, which I attributed to magic.
There were three other children already situated within the coach - two younger girls already deep in excited chatter, and one boy who looked about my own age. The only free seat was next to his.
"May I sit here?" I spoke nervously, so far I doubted I had made a good first impression on any of them.
"I think you have to." He did smile, but it was a dark sort of smile. Not exactly welcoming. I sat.
"I'm Emma. I'm going into 5th year." His ears seemed to perk. "Oh? I'm Declan. What house?"
"House? I'm not sure. I'm transferring to Hogwarts and I don't know what the houses are. I am sure they are different from those at my old school."
"There are four houses at Hogwarts: Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Everyone wants to be in Slytherin when they come to Hogwarts, they all know it's the best!"
"It is?"
"By far!" Declan looked much happier now. "They win all the events and get the best marks in all the classes. Only the smartest and most motivated people get into Slytherin."
"I'll keep that in mind. I'll cross my fingers to get sorted for Slytherin."
"Crossing fingers has nothing to do with it. You've got to be born a Slytherin. The sorting hat always knows."
"Well I'm smart and motivated!"
"Then you just might get lucky and make into Slytherin, Emma."
Hurry!
Author: Mirai Schultz
Date: 11-30-02 19:18
After Mirai bought Diether and Raymond to her room at the Leaky Cauldron, and after Mutsumi has persuaded Diether to stay with them for the night so they can go to Kings Cross together the next day, Raymond went back to their home in Ireland and delivered Red's trunks later.
The next morning, Mirai woke up with a start. She looked at the clock next to her and almost screamed. Nine o'clock! she thought, as she hurriedly dressed up and knocked on her mother's and Red's doors.
"Wake up! Wake up!" she shouted, as she tried to put on her socks as she hops from one door to the other. "We have less than two hours to board the train!" With that, she heard a crash on Red's room and a grumble from her Mutsumi's.
She hastily tied her long hair into a quick knot, then ushered Artemis, her owl, into her cage. She shoved the novel she had been reading into her bookbag, stuffed her quills and ink bottles inside, and grabbed a sandwich her mum had prepared for them to bring the night before. Red came out of his room, his hair in disarray as he carried Apollo's cage out.
"Where is he?" he asked, as he looked around and grabbed a sandwich for himself. He arranged his things to a neat pile as he constantly looks at the window for any sign of his owl. "Mum!" he shouted, and turned around as Mutsumi finally emerged from her room.
"What?" she asked, helping Mirai arrange her things. She had insisted before that Red and Mon call her exactly the way her own children calls her. The two boys' parents, on the other hand, insisted the same on Andrew, Mirai, and Miranda. That's why Mai calls Mr. and Mrs. Jameson mama and papa.
"Have you seen Apollo?" he said, finishing his packing and looked around once more. Mutsumi shaked her head just as a tap at the window was heard. "Apollo!" Red shouted, quickly opening the window to let the owl in who went straight to his cage.
"Ok. Ready?" Mutsumi asked the two teenagers. They nodded yes and together, they went down and headed to King's Cross.
Arriving at the station, they went straight to platforms nine and ten. Looking about, they saw children head to a barrier and disappear. Mirai and Diether looked at one another and grinned.
"Well, we're off, Mum," Mirai said as she looked at her mother. Mutsumi was teary eyed as she quickly hugged her and Red. She turned back to Mirai and pecked her on the cheek.
"Red, take care of her, now," Mutsumi told Diether as the two ran towards the barrier and appeared inside platform 9 3/4.
The two looked in awe at the huge train in front of them, emitting smoke and whistling. They joined the throng of students and boarded the train. They looked in each compartment and finally settled down to an empty one.
"Well, that went ok," Mirai commented as she slumped down and grinned at Diether.
"Very well, I'd say," Red replied, and together they laughed, as they waited for the other students to board and for the train to leave.
Sending Severus to Spy
Author: Voldemort
Date: 11-30-02 19:52
"Severus, I think it's time you do something...productive to aid my cause."
I look at him, watching him carefully, gauging his reactions.
"I want you to return to Hogwarts, and spy for me. Find out what plans the Fool Dumbledore has made. Find them, and let me know."
Snape, remaining expressionless, bows. "I will do as you say, Master."
He takes his leave, and I consider my next move. Soon it will be time for that. Then let us see how the fool Dumbledore, and the oh-so-honourable Chief Auror deal with the crisis they will be dealt.
I laugh to myself coldly, in anticipation.
First Time at Platform 9 3/4
Author: La Luna
Date: 11-30-02 20:35
Arriving at Kings Cross Station in London, La Luna gathers up her processions. With ticket in hand and luggage in the other she looks around for platform 9 3/4. After walking for an hour, Luna finally finds platforms 9 and 10. Other students of Hogwarts were already there chatting with their schoolmates. Luna looked for a way on to platform 9 3/4.
She notices senior students of Hogwarts assisting first years and transfers students on to the platform. Luna walks up to a senior and asked: how do you get on to the platform there is no doorway that I can see? The senior replied: just trust in yourself and walk straight through the barrier that will lead you on to platform 9 3/4. If you say so, I will give anything a try once Luna said. With that she closed her eyes and walks straight through right on to the platform.
It was frightening at first yet what a thrill, even her cat twinkle hair was on ends. Once Luna noticed the Hogwarts Express her eyes grew with wonder at the sight of the red train with billows of smoke surrounding it. Her luggage was loaded on to the train with the exception that she boards the train with her kitty. Luna explained that being such a shy girl would be cause for her to have a lonely train ride. So it was most important her cat twinkle gets to sit with her for the journey.
Boarding the train Luna walks through the train looking at all the compartments. Most were filled and some were not. Some filled with friends and some strangers. Luna decided to sit alone, a bittersweet tear sweep down her face. Twinkle gently licked it off her face. Others noticed her crying and loneliness.
On Your Mark, Get Set, DASH!
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 11-30-02 20:47
Mom drops me off at the station. She gives me a big hug. "Have a good year, sweetheart," she says, "and be careful."
"I will," I reply. I kiss my mother goodbye and dash off into the platform and board the train for the journey to Hogwarts
Anxious
Author: Alexis Black
Date: 11-30-02 22:26
I'm wearing a black sweater and baggy black pants, sitting alone in a compartment toward the back of the train. I'm anxious to be leaving, I don't even notice that I'm tapping my feet against the floor in what is probably an annoying fashion. I hope that Isolde and the others find me here, and don't get on an earlier compartment. I look up at the ceiling, out the window, down at the floor. I stop tapping my feet, feeling stupid though no one else noticed. My brother, Troy, disapparated as soon as I entered the platform. I consider changing into my Slytherin robes, but decide not to as I'll have plenty of time later. I unconsciously start moving my feet again, staring at the clock out the window in anticipation. When will everyone get here? I hope, not for the first time, that this school year is a pleasant change from my lame summer.
First Day
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 12-01-02 06:35
Remadi wakes up at her usual early hour of five o'clock. She slips out of bed so as not to disturb Neko and quietly gets dressed. After putting on a pair of dark blue jeans and a red t-shirt, she brushes her hair and puts it up in a high ponytail. Walking into the kitchen, she sees her grandmother already up and making breakfast.
"I remember that you always get up so early," Suyuan says. "I wanted to make you a nice breakfast before you leave."
Remadi thanks her and sits down at the table, starting to eat the pancakes and eggs her grandma made her. She grins when her father stumbles into the kitchen, still half asleep.
"You ready," he asks as he pours himself a cup of coffee.
"Ready as I'll ever be," is her reply. Neko then slinks out of her room and jumps in her lap.
Remadi breaks of a piece of bacon and gives it to the cat.
"Once you're done eating, we'll go," Tony says as he finishes his cup of coffee. He goes to the door and picks up her trunk, taking it out to the rental car.
Fifteen minutes later, Remadi, her dad, and her grandparents are on there way to Kings Cross and platform 9 3/4. Arriving there, Neko finds his way to Remadi shoulder, wraps his tail around her neck, and doesn't let go. Remadi strokes his fur and murmurs reassurances that she's not leaving him.
"Alright, here we are," Tony says as they stand in between platforms 9 and 10. "You know what to do."
Remadi nods. A silence envelops them before Remadi gives him a quick hug. She then hugs both of her grandparents. Finishing with that, she takes her belongings from her dad.
"Don't worry, Remadi," Tony says. "Just try to have fun, okay? We'll be seeing you soon enough."
"I know, Baba," Remadi says. "I'll be okay. Bye Yeye, Nainai.* Bye Baba. I'll owl you once I get there."
Remadi turns and runs straight through the column, not looking back. Reaching the Hogwart's Express, she slows. With a sigh, she looks around her.
"Well, here goes nothing," she whispers to Neko who purrs in reply. She boards the train and slowly walks down it. A lot of compartments are already full as she passes them. She sees one that has two other students in it.
"Excuse me. May I join you," she asks, looking from Mirai to Diether and back again. Neko puts in his thoughts by jumping off of her shoulder and sitting in an empty seat.
*yeye = grandpa, nainai = grandma, baba = dad (Mandarin)
Miss Mayberry
Author: Gabriel Baine
Date: 12-01-02 06:36
From the conversation following the introduction, Gabriel learned that Annabella was a member of the Gryffindor House at Hogwarts and was also a sixth year like the rest. She sat directly across from Gabriel in the compartment and immediately joined the discussion detailing everyone's summer. He wasnÕt able to defy the allure he felt towards Annabella. Her shoulder length hair was of a pleasant blonde color and complimented her face before falling upon her shoulders. Her face was undeniably attractive to Gabriel in its innocent quality and warm beauty. He felt a tremble within himself when her charming blue eyes first looked upon him. It was her smile however that captivated Gabriel in all its radiance, whether she were merely listening to another's story or laughing genially with the others.
By all means Gabriel did not sit and stare at her without cessation. His impressions were acquired over time and he rarely looked toward Annabella unless she spoke or was listening to him. When the opportunity to steal a glimpse was presented, or when Gabriel had a particularly irrepressible urge to look toward Annabella he did so. It was during one of these last such glances however that Gabriel found his glance returned by Annabella. Caught in the act, Gabriel let his eyes fall upon the compartment floor. What did she think of him now? Had she known he was glancing at her already? Was she doing the same? Did it really matter so much? Gabriel rejoined the verbal exchange of the group, but noticed Hermione's eyes passing between Annabella and Gabriel with a contemplative look upon her face. Gabriel smiled inwardly at the possibility of Hermione being jealous, but he knew it to be an emotion beneath her character and much the same for himself. The conclusion was too immediate and surprised Gabriel that he would be so anxious to pronounce jealously when he had little room himself with such a topic.
After some time had passed, Annabella and Gabriel seemed to have trailed away from the others and talked amongst themselves. While their backgrounds shared as much in common as they didn't share, their personalities complimented each other very well. Annabella was shy about Gabriel, as he was to her, but warmed as each opened more and became increasingly cordial to the other. Gabriel secured in his mind that Annabella offered the prospect of gaining a new enjoyable friend, but he anticipated little more.
"You can call me Gabe you know?"
"You can call me Anna."
Chatting with Chyler
Author: Nevvyn
Date: 12-01-02 07:45
"Where am I from?" I chuckle as I pour the rich, aromatic infusion into the white porcelain cups. "Are you meaning "originally" or "recently"? Or, even worse, all the places in between?"
She accepts the cup and I place the tin of biscuits on the table before taking the other seat by the small fire. "I think, the beginning. I'm always interested in beginnings."
The chair creaks as I lean back and take a thoughtful sip. "Let's see, now! I was born in the Village of Slaine, in the shadow of Tara Hill. I grew to manhood in the Boyne Valley, between Slaine and Drogheda. I fell in with a group of the Druidic persuasion, when they gathered one year to worship at Newgrange. They taught me their ways and their beliefs, and I traveled with one of them for a number of years. From him, I learned the science of herbology and the "art" of making potions. He was a healer, and a good one at that. I had little talent for curing the sick, but excelled in the still-room." I wave my hand, expansively, at the collection of potions and nostrums in my cabinets. I take a bite of the chocolate biscuit and think a moment.
"Somewhere along the line, I developed an interest in the ancient Ogham Runes. A Priest of Odin then introduced me to The Eldar Furthark. Spells and charms and divination based on those systems followed as a natural outgrowth. For years I wandered, learning and teaching. Eventually, I returned to Slaine and took up the running my Father's small grocery. It was deadly dull and boring, but it put bread on the table, kept a roof over my head and a fire in the hearth. I kept up with my earlier pursuits of potions and charms, and began selling some of those from the back room, as it were. Business was slow and getting slower. I closed the grocery when one of the large discount chains moved into the town, and relocated to Dublin. I joined with an old friend and we opened an Import–export business, which thrived for many years. A few years ago, I visited Hogsmeade on business and found the place completely charming. I made my plans, sold my interest in the trading company and opened up this little shop you see around you. And that, my dear young lady, is pretty much the story of my life."
I fetch the pot and refill our cups. "And what about you? What brings you to Hogsmeade?"
Getting Away
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 12-01-02 07:46
Fynn hauled his luggage up onto the Hogwarts Express. It had passed by so quickly- those tumultuous two months. On his way to London, Fynn had watched Kent whiz by in a flurry of green and white, clouds and the half hearted, weary waving of his father, until that faint figure grew smaller with each chugging on the gravel track, and finally disappeared. And the next time Fynn returned- his mother would not be there. Fynn had held her hand, listened to her labored breathing. From the window a stray autumn leaf had blown in, and it settled on her duvet. It was no Hollywood moment, but it meant something; it reminded Fynn that time was passing, that nothing could stall its route. The leaf was now pressed between the worn, ballpoint-embossed pages of Fynn's journal.
Fynn strode up the aisle, looking for a compartment to settle into.
"All things must pass" Fynn's father said, as he closed the door of his mothers room. "You've known for as long as I, that your mother is in great pain. That the cancer is spreading."
The sound of lively chatter brought up Fynn's rather disconsolate spirits. The compartment next to the extremely noisy (and apparently full) one, was quiet. Fynn peeked in, jacket in one hand. He saw a girl with lovely, ebony hair- unmistakably shimmering, framed by the window. He didn't really want to interrupt her in her reverie- looking out, Fynn felt it seemed, as if she was in another world altogether- and she looked extremely lovely. Still, she turned toward him. "Hi, Cho," Fynn said, smiling. "Don't mind if I join you?"
"Goodbye," Fynn had said, as he followed his father out of the house. In the garden, he'd turned around, looked up at his mother's bedroom window. Many times, from when he was a toddler till he was about ten, she had looked out at him from there- right there, radiant, waving and laughing as he set off to play with his friends. Things were so different now.
"Sure," Cho replied, smiling sweetly. It made Fynn happy, to meet up again with someone from Hogwarts. Hogwarts definitely reminded him of good things. Fynn resolved to make the new school term fruitful, occupy his time, to put his mind off other things. He put his things down, and started talking to Cho.
