Arrival & Meeting Hagrid
Author: Fritz Schnackenpfefferhausen
Date: 12-07-02 11:29
No sooner has Oreileah spoken when the train steadily pulls to a stop. Fritz and Coco exchange frantic glances and immediately dig through their bags for their Hogwarts robes, making a dash for their respective lavatories. When they emerge, Coco as shoeless as before, they find the aisles packed with excited students eager to disembark the train.
They follow the slow mass of people down the aisle and finally slip into their compartment to retrieve their belongings, where they discover that Oreileah has been waiting for them. "I figure the three of us can stick together for the time being," she admits, smiling.
Fritz likes that idea because Oreileah and Coco are the only two Hogwarts students he's met so far, and besides, they're both first years as well. Coco tucks Pea back into her pocket and pokes her head out of the compartment. "Awl that world an' 'is wife looks ta be gitten orf. Let's stop fannying aroun' an' git ta tha platform!" she exclaims.
Fritz and Oreileah heartily agree and follow Coco out the door. They exit rather quickly and follow a crowd of other new students to where a large man is standing. Fritz's mouth drops open as he stares up at the great man, for he has never seen someone so big and tall before in his entire life.
This man introduces himself as Hagrid and bellows, "Firs' years! Firs' years over here! Any transfers follow me too! C'mon, firs' years! Don' be shy!"
Fritz, Oreileah and Coco stand around and wait as other students gather around Hagrid. Most are around their age, but there are a few older students as well. As Fritz waits for Hagrid to escort them to Hogwarts, he wonders about what adventures the evening will bring. Although he's certain there's nothing to fear, Fritz can't help but feel butterflies fluttering about in his stomach. What will the Sorting Ceremony really be like? Will the other students like him?
He glances at Oreileah and Coco and smiles weakly. So far, so good.
The shuttle coach rattled to a halt outside of Hogwarts station. The two younger girls ahead of Declan and I were all a flutter of excitement as the four of us pulled on our Hogwarts robes.
The driver poked his head into the compartment. "Alright kids, off you go! Don't worry about your things, I'll see to 'em." I watched as Reggie's cage was stacked unnecessarily close to the owl's (which was, of course, Declan's Snickers).
I tugged at Declan's arm. I had decided I did not care for the boy much, but he was the only person I had met so far. "Where . . . now what?"
"Well, as a transfer student you go over there with those little first years. See that tall hairy oaf? That's Hagrid, the gameskeeper. He'll take you all up to the castle, where you'll get ready to be sorted." I gulped. "I'm off to find my friends. Good luck, Emma - you'll need it." He hurried off and joined a group of what I assumed to be Slytherins.
I moved much more slowly toward the group that was forming around the enormous, kindly seeming man who had to be Hagrid. People were thronged about him, many looking as nervous as I felt.
Back to Reality
Author: Fynn Greenleaf
Date: 12-07-02 19:30
Fynn felt ecstatic, light as light itself.
Meanwhile, the Hogwarts Express eclipsed the not too distant view of those familiar spires and towers. With each churning, they drew closer to it.
Yet on the train, everything still seemed so unreal, languid, every minute utterly delectable in the treat of her presence. Fynn smiled dreamily. Then he took Cho's hand gently off the railing, and kissed it like a knight would a fair lady. At that moment, the train jolted to a halt- and sound and movement and other life forms came back to their attention. Fynn and Cho walked back to the compartment to collect their baggage. It was quite a bit, but he insisted on carrying at least the heavier half of Cho's things.
The station was full of camaraderie and good cheer, anticipation and the smell of melted Chocolate Frogs. Fynn put his things down, and extended a hand to help Cho off the train. She was independent, and didn't need such chivalry, but he felt she deserved it. She was so special, and smiling, radiant. Fynn almost forgot to let go of her hand. But he did, reluctantly, like a dreamer awakened.
Golbez came up to him- they hugged and patted each other on their backs. "Fynn my boy, where were you on the train? I couldn't find you," his best friend said. "I was with Cho and her friends," Fynn replied. He smiled at Cho, took up her things. Then they all headed off.
Cho watched Fynn nonchalantly carry all of his things, plus most of her own heavy ones.
She shook her head gently, laughing and hugging Marybell as she skipped off to go with the other transfer students and first years, making her way through the crowd. Cho nods and smiles politely at people she knows, giving a few hugs here and there. Ultimately, they amazingly make it to Hogwarts without losing any luggage. As a whole, they set their things down as directed and head up the familiar steps. Cho practically skipping, elatedly chatting with Aradia, and including Sykra when Sykra wished to be included.
It seemed like ages before they were able to sit down at the start of term feast, Fynn across from her instead of beside her, both having agreed that it would be more comfortable to talk that way. So they talked a little while, and laughed a bit, waiting for the first years and transfers to be let in. Cho licks her lips, a little hungry, but not much due to the lighter than a feather state of her heart and mind. As Marybell walks past, Cho clasps her hand reassuringly, stating for her encouragement, "Ravenclaw."
Sorting
Author: Marybell Devons
Date: 12-07-02 19:58
Marybell walked cautiously among the first years and other students. She was polite of course, but knew no one except for Cho, Fynn, Aradia, and Sykra, those she had met on the train.
Belle looked over the edge of the boat, trailing a finger in the water, having quieted considerably from the giggly girl on the train. She gave a waivering smile at Cho as she took her hand and nodded at Cho's utterance, "Ravenclaw."
Belle stood as McGonagall directed her, hands crossed behind her back, waiting for her name to be called, hoping against hope that she would be sorted into Ravenclaw, rather than Hufflepuff like her brother had been. If the Sorting Hat was indecisive, she had no objection to deciding for it. Patiently, she looks around and above her, thinking, Orlando was right...it is more than magical...
La Luna and company Bronwyn talked for hours on the train. Discussion topics are family, friends and the usual witch talk. Soon the Hogwarts Express will pull up at Hogsmeade. This is where Luna will meet Hagrid for the first time. Alarmed at other students getting dressed, she too gathers her school clothing.
"Oh Boy! I cannot wait till we arrive," Luna said. "Really we are arriving already, time to get dressed. Wait till you meet Hagrid he is really fun to be with. Hagrid is pretty big and the sight of him scares first years and transfers," replied Bronwyn. Luna stands still and says, "You have a giant at Hogwarts?"
Bronwyn laughs at what her new friend said, "I guess so." I wonder will I have Bronwyn with me when I do meet Hagrid, Luna thinks to her-self. "Hey Bronwyn will you be there when I met Hagrid?" Luna asked. "No only first years and transfers meet Hagrid," Bronwyn replied.
Luna had a look of despair on her face. The train stops and has arrived at Hogsmeade. Luna looks around and marvels at the beauty of the sight. "Come on Luna, it is time to disembark from the train," Bronwyn said. Luna looks for Twinkle and she is nowhere to be seen.
"TWINKLE!" Luna shouts as she desperately looks for her cat. Twinkle escaped the compartment as the train arrived at Hogsmeade. As soon as the doors opened she jumped out and explored her new home. Luna searches the whole train and finally leaves and is hoping her cat is outside. Twinkle spots Hagrid and runs away frighten from the sight of the big man.
Getting off the train, Harry Potter spots Twinkle and captures her. "Who do you belong to (reads her tag with name) Twinkle?" Luna gets of the train and there is no sight of Twinkle her cat. Just as she is about to give up Luna spots a boy her age holding Twinkle. "TWINKLE! That's my cat Twinkle," Luna yells.
"Oh thank you for finding her for me. My name is La Luna, a transfer student new to Hogwarts. What may your name be?" Luna said. As she awaits an answer Luna starts to have a crush for this lovely stranger. Who knows what will happen next?
Finally
Author: Diether Jameson
Date: 12-07-02 20:08
Mirai peeked into their compartment, minutes after Remadi has gone. She looked relieved as she plopped down on the seat across from him. Sensing that the train is starting to slow down, he said, "Mind if I change here?"
She shook her head. "It's as if I hadn't seen you half-naked before, so be my guest."
"Ok. Lock the door for awhile," he said. "Remadi might not take this calmly like you do."
Mirai smacked him on the head before standing up and leaning on the door. She watched passively as he changed his shirt into his uniform and then threw on his robes. It was right at that moment that someone tried to go in. She looked at him and he nodded. She opened the door and Remadi walked in.
"You're back! Where have you been?" Remadi asked Mirai.
Mirai groaned in response. "I got lost! Can you believe it?!" she said hystericaly. "How stupid can I get? I forgot to remember which compartment we were in. Good thing I only got lost by one door and it's occupied by some friends," she informed them, all the while slapping Diether's knee as he laughs.
"You...you got lost?!" he said. "Mai! We're on a train!"
Remadi was smiling, too. "Well, anyway. I think we've arrived." They nodded to each other and reached for their handbags. They joined the long file of students going out of the train. "Look!" Red said, pointing to a huge man who was calling for all first years and transfer students. "He's like a giant!"
"Wow!" was all the girls could mutter as they followed the man called Hagrid. With that, they were on a boat, amidst many young students and some older ones like themselves who were transferees.
New Professor
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 12-07-02 21:15
Ethan slipped into the Great Hall and took his place at the head table as the first few groups of students trickled into grand dining room. He marveled at the ceiling, bewitched to look like the night sky and found great delight in seeing the children's faces light up as they entered the room and found their own places at their respective tables.
He looked around the room, noting that he was the first professor to arrive. Although he had seen all of them at least once, he hadn't really spoken with any except for Professor McGonagall. It was his goal to meet, as well as get to know, many if not all of his co-workers tonight.
Ethan settled back in his seat and observed the activity in the room, eager for the feast to begin.
About Darn Time
Author: Jet
Date: 12-07-02 21:40
During the trip from Platform 9 3/4 Jet had shared a compartment with a few second year Hufflepuffs. Some of the same ones he'd so intimidated the year before. As a result, they'd kept to themselves, quietly playing wizard's chess, and put as much space between themselves and Jet. Even still, by the time the train arrives at the Hogsmeade station, Jet is more than ready to rid himself of these namby pambies. Jet, who was sitting next to the window, shoves past the annoying little Hufflepests without a word of apology to the one on whose foot he sharply trods, is the first out of the compartment. Without looking back to see which of the two year babies is crying about broken toes, Jet strides off the train and goes straight to one of the waiting carriages.
Arrival
Author: Trey Lancer
Date: 12-07-02 22:51
Trey and Anastasia talked for a while, mostly about their lives outside Hogwarts and the wizardry world. She described the concepts and rules to a game called Quidditch. Then she told him about the sorting ceremony and that any such rumors about having to fight a troll or anything so bizarre as that was just older students' attempt to scare the first years'.
"You wouldn't do anything like that, would you?" Trey smiled.
"I wouldn't dream of it, except if they were already sorted and where members of Slytherin." She laughed.
Anastasia left shortly to change into her robes and left Trey alone to think what happened to Hwang and if he had already met friends yet.
"What are you thinking about?" Anastasia asked where she returned.
"My friend from home, Hwang Sung Kyung. We both live in Seattle and are members of the Ninjustu Martial Arts Academy there. Ironically we got our letters during the middle of a tournament, it was weird to think that magic existed and that both or us have the capacity to utilize it. Well anyway, me and Hwang have known each other since we were about four when we first joined the dojo. Hwang's father runs and owns the Academy. We used to spend all our time there, practicing with the dummies or training in the skills that the ninja's use. My parents knew that by strengthening the mind, body and soul that I could use my full potential in school. What a shock to them to find out that I was stronger than they knew." Trey laughed.
The train slowly pulled to a stop and students began pilling out, "See you after the sorting ceremony?" Trey asked.
"Maybe, we'll see what house we're in." Anastasia smiled before disappearing into the crowd. Noticing a giant in a coat calling out to first years and transfer students and calling himself Hagrid, Trey quickly joined up with the growing crowd surrounding him. Turing back towards the other students, Trey wondered if he would ever see Anastasia again. I hope it. He thought before returning his attention to Hagrid.
Back @ School
Author: Sykra Sawyer
Date: 12-08-02 10:46
Sykra walked with her friends and sat down at the Ravenclaw table. She was more than glad to be back at Hogwarts. Starving, the 7th year Ravenclaw eagerly awaited the sorting so that the feast would begin.
Then she could go upstairs and work on a reply to Orlando. Sykra had been going over in her head what to say.
"Hey Sykra...you okay?" Aradia had leaned over and whispered to her. Sykra sighed. "I'm alright...just..." She nodded to the letter she still clutched in her hand.
Aradia smiled. "Ah...right. You gonna reply?"
"Yeah...soon as I figure out what to say." Sykra smiled back. After that Sykra became a bit more like herself. Talking almost as much as normal with her friends, smiling at Marybell as she walked past, and at the first years when they entered.
Excited
Author: Shaynan Hannah
Date: 12-08-02 10:52
Shaynan and Shaquida eagerly walked with the other first years as they followed a giant named Hagrid. Grinning, they entered one of the boats with two others.
The twins knew all about the sorting, as their parents had attended Hogwarts. They hoped they would get into Gryffindor, like their parents had been. On the way to the castle, they chatted with the other two first years in their boat about the different houses, among other things.
Arrival
Author: Vera Delgety
Date: 12-08-02 12:22
When the train arrived at Hogsmeade Station Vera was reluctant to leave Lawrence. But alas! They had to part. So, while Lawrence journeyed with Hagrid, Vera sat in one of the carriages that would take the students to Hogwarts.
She sat with some other girls who talked about their summer events. It seemed like eternity before the carriage stopped at the school. Finally, a new school year, new classes and a boyfriend who she couldn't stop thinking about. Yes, this year was going to be the best of all!
Finding a seat at the Hufflepuff table, Vera sat and waited for things to start. And when they did she watched all the first years and transfers walk in to the room. She spotted Lawrence right off the bat and was hopping and praying that he would get into Hufflepuff.
Crossing the Lake
Author: Emma Riley
Date: 12-08-02 13:03
I was ushered into one of the boats with a few of the other transfer students, all seeming as excited and nervous as I. I took a seat and waited to depart.
The journey had been a long one, though not necessarily in distance. I was looking forward to its completion. I stared out across the great lake with the other students, and found that if I peered closely enough at the water I could see shapes darting about. It was not a comforting observation, as I was sure there was more than fish lurking about in these waters.
We left shore to the happy babble of the excited students, all anticipating what we might find upon our arrival. We had all heard stories of the magnificence of Hogwarts' Great Hall and were eager to see it.
The falling darkness signaled the arrival of evening as the boats pulled ever closer to the far shore, to Hogwarts, and to my new life.
Arriving and Going to the Great
Hall
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 12-08-02 15:10
Lawrence was kind of dreading the stop of the train at Hogsmeade station, because that would mean he and Vera would have to part, if only for a short time. But, he was also looking forward to it. He was anxious to continue his studies here at Hogwarts. As he and Vera left the train, Lawrence pressed a light kiss to her cheek. "See you at the feast."
Those were his last words to Vera as he watched her climb into one of the waiting carriages for the returning students. He turned his gaze on Hagrid, who was busy waiting for the first years and transfer students to join him for their trip to Hogwarts.
As they sat on the boats, Lawrence's thoughts drifted to Vera, as they had countless times before. He hoped that he was sorted into her house, that would make life easier, and school even more so enjoyable. He listened as a few first years in the boat with him chattered on and on about Hogwarts, about how the ceiling was bewitched to look like the night sky. He smiled, the main hall at Sydney's School of Wizardry was bewitched to look like a midsummer's day sky. Bright sunshine, blue sky, fluffy white clouds.
He quickly got off the boats with the other first years and transfers and made his way with the lot of them toward the great hall and where they would meet the professor or professors who would lead them into the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony and the feast.
When they had been admitted into the Great Hall, Lawrence let his gaze travel the room and finally settle on Vera. He flashed her a smile and a slight wave, as he made his way to the front of the Great Hall with the other Transfers and First years. He hoped and prayed that he would be in the same house as Vera, but it would be for the sorting hat to decide.
All Too Familiar a Scene
Author: Veronica Dumbledore
Date: 12-08-02 15:11
As the students began to arrive and assemble beneath the enchanted sky in the Great Hall, Veronica entered and looked around. She was silent, standing with her lips tightly pursed and her arms folded across her chest as she surveyed the room. It was all so familiar to her. Though it had been many years since she had sat at the Gryffindor table, it seemed just as fresh as yesterday in her mind. To her, seeing these things again after so long was like Christmas morning.
She looked over to see Professor Somerset had already seated himself. She smiled and approached to take a seat as well. In all her wildest imagination, she had never dreamed that one day she would sit at that table alongside her own beloved Uncle to teach there at Hogwarts.
For that matter, she never thought she would ever see herself back in the wizarding world at all, let alone here at Hogwarts. She sidled up next to Professor Somerset and extended her hand. "Hello. I'm Veronica Dumbledore...I'm the new Arithmancy teacher. You're new to teaching as well aren't you? Well, I'm comforted knowing I won't be the only one. I'm terribly nervous and I get terribly chatty when I am nervous, or couldn't you tell?" She chuckled lightheartedly and turned to sit.
As she does she steps on the hem of her own dress and falls right over onto the floor. "Oh dear" She says straightening her glasses and pulling herself up into her seat, "chatty and clumsy." She giggles trying to cover up her embarrassment.
Re: All Too Familiar a Scene
Author: Albus Dumbledore
Date: 12-08-02 16:27
I pause before the side door to The Great Hall and make a last minute attempt to straighten the sleeves and collar of my robes. From out of nowhere, Dobby rushes up to assist. With a tweak and a tug and a twitch, he accomplishes the task in seconds, then opens the door for me. With a smile and a nod of thanks, I enter the Hall and walk quietly to my seat. Two of my new teachers are already in place, and are chatting quietly. Rather than disturb their conversation, I nod a brief greeting before sitting in the central chair.
With my hands folded before me, I gaze out over the rapidly filling hall. How many times have I done this? I wonder. How many hundreds of students have sat at these tables? How many newcomers have stood in awe at their first impressions of Hogwarts? How many have faced the old Sorting Hat with more than a bit of trepidation, not knowing where they will be placed? Ahhh... So many bright and shining faces. So many scintillating young minds. So many incipient Witches and Wizards, eager for their first taste of the world of magick...
So go my thoughts as, once again, I drink in the scene before me. The chatter of friends greeting returning friends warms my heart. The smile etched upon my face is a pale reflection of the love I hold for these young people.
Most of the other teachers have arrived and found their places at the head table. A flash of emerald green at the door tells me that Professor McGonagall is about ready to lead in the newcomers and transferees. I sit quietly and await the start of The Sorting Ceremony.
Yellow
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 12-08-02 20:12
A bright stream of sparks shot out of the tip of Lysander's wand, creating a splash of vivid color on the formerly white walls of the study. Well, it was the study. After learning that his lovely wife was pregnant with their first child, Lysander immediately thought the room would be an excellent nursery for the baby, and since neither blue nor pink seemed to suit the child's bedroom, the father-to-be chose gender-neutral yellow to adorn the walls.
Words could not describe how elated he felt to know that his beautiful wife, Chyler, was carrying a product of their love. At the same time, he had been a little frustrated because as much as he had tried to make Chyler comfortable over the past month, somehow something always had gone wrong. He knew mood swings from the pregnancy had been behind Chyler's uncontrollable emotions, but it still had bothered him when she'd burst into tears and run away from him. What had he done to her anyway?
Thankfully, as of yesterday the emotional outbursts were a thing of the past (or so Lysander hoped). Chyler had gone to the new potions shop in town and received a tonic to relieve herself of the mood swings, and she had also made a new friend. In fact, Chyler was at the shop now, which gave Lysander the perfect opportunity to redecorate the study as a surprise to his lovely wife.
After the walls were a brilliant, yet not too shocking yellow, Lysander pushed the rest of the furniture aside and thought about the new things he could get for the baby.
Meeting Luna
Author: H Potter
Date: 12-08-02 20:33
Harry hands the cat Twinkle over to her owner while at the same time answering the girl's question. "I'm Harry. Sixth year Gryffindor." The two shake hands as the girl introduces herself. "Call me Luna. I'm a transfer student from Spain and a sixth year as well."
Ron calls to Harry as he, Hermione and the others wait. "Come on, Harry. We want to all ride up in the same carriage."
Harry turns to reply to his friend, "Hang on, Ron. I'll be there in just a few minutes," then turns back to Luna. "Let me help you get Twinkle in her carrying case. You'll leave her and all your other things here at the platform. Everything will be taken up to the school for us."
Harry holds the spacious cage as Luna puts a not so happy Twinkle inside with the promise she won't have to be cooped up for too very long. Luna gives Harry an expectant "what next" type of look. He points over towards the extremely large man around whom students are gathering. "Come on, I'll introduce you to Hagrid. He'll be taking the first years and transfer students over to Hogwarts."
The two reach Hagrid and the growing circle around him just as Hagrid once more bellows, "Firs' years, firs' years over here! Transfers, transfers gather 'round." He spots Harry and grins so broadly he scares some of the smaller first years. "'Allo, Harry! Good ter see all that chocolate dun ya some good. Who do ya have here?"
Harry puts his hand on Luna's arm. "Hagrid, this is one of the transfer students, Luna. Luna, this is Hagrid. He's Keeper of the Keys at Hogwarts as well as being the Care of Magical Creatures professor."
Ron yells at Harry again to hurry up. Nodding, Harry bids goodbye to Hagrid and to Luna, telling her he'll see her at the Sorting Ceremony in a little while. As Harry runs off to rejoin his friends, he hears Hagrid calling out the familiar words, "Mind yer step now. Follow me," as the Hagrid leads his charges to the waiting boats.
Arrival and Introductions
Author: Prof. Sorcha
Date: 12-08-02 20:50
With a slow, and almost zombie-like, Sorcha walks over to the head table and has a seat. She had just received a letter from Michael's family telling her about an accident he was involved in. She finished the letter, but wish she hadn't. A few moments passed before she was shaken from her thoughts.
She looked over and saw one of the new professors had fallen. She then saw that she was sitting next to the other one, the new DADA professor. She had met him once, and had a hard time talking to him. He was very nice, and very handsome.
After Ethan had helped the new professor of Arithmancy up, he turned and looked at Sorcha. He smiled at her, before saying, "Hi, I'm sorry, but I don't remember your name. I'm Ethan"
"Christina Sorcha, the Ancient Runes professor. It's a pleasure to meet you again," Sorcha replied with a false confidence.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too."
Sorcha felt her cheeks start to warm up, and she looked away. A few moments later, she looked back at Ethan, who was now looking at a new arrival, who spoke first.
"Hi Christina," the new comer said.
"Hi Adriana," Sorcha replied.
"Hi Professor Somerset, it's a pleasure to finally get a chance to talk to you."
"Please call me Ethan, Miss Fairchild."
"Adriana, please."
