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It's Called A Flat...Duh
Author: Don Thomas
Date: 06-10-08 17:41
"Don!"
Don heard her name being screamed throughout her home, but instead rolled over to face her wall. She tried to close her eyes again. She tried to imagine Canada, Nathan, and anything else she might have wished for. Instead, her eyes remained open and she stared at the wall. The loud sound of footsteps running through the house could be heard from Don's current position. She tried to ignore them, but they continued to get louder until the click of Don's doorknob being twisted made it almost impossible.
"Don! Quick! Get dressed!"
"What?!"
Madeline Poplar seemed to be glowing as she found Don a loose pair of dark blue wide-legged jeans and a gray quarter-sleeved thermal shirt for Don to wear. "I was getting the newspaper and I saw teenagers! Real teenagers! I asked some lady and she said the school was out! Isn't that exciting? Now you can make friends!"
"I'm overjoyed," Don said sarcastically as she pressed her face into her pillow.
"Oh no," Madeline said as she pulled the covers off of Don's bed. "You're going to make friends. Now get dressed!"
"I don't think I want to."
"Don Tipper Thomas! Do not make me force you out of this bed!" When Don didn't budge, Madeline sighed.
"I will count to 5," Madeline said in a stern voice. "On 5, if you are not up, you will be forced to get up. 1, 2, 3--" On three, Don sat up straight. Madeline, who had slowly been taking her wand out of her pocket, put it back and smiled. "See. That wasn't so hard. Now get dressed."
Don rolled her eyes and stood as Madeline left her room. She went over to the clothes and stared at them for a bit, as though they were entrancing to her, before getting undressed.
--
Once Don was finished brushing her hair and teeth, she adjusted the black 'Middleton Magic' t-shirt she had placed over the quarter-sleeved thermal one her mother had picked out for her earlier. She then adjusted her loose fitting pants and went into the living room. Her mother was already there, waiting, as she tapped her toes against the floor. Don adjusted her clothing one more time as Madeline began to survey her daughter. Madeline then smiled.
"Have fun today, Donnie. Oh, be home by 6. You know how Paul likes having everyone home for dinner." Don, still not feeling driven to make new friends, decided to take this opportunity to stall her departure.
"Right. What's for din-din anyway?"
"Turkey," Madeline said. "Now have fun."
"Turkey? Lame. Let's get some American cuisine. Tube steak and fries. Now that sounds good."
"Don," Madeline said. Her tone sounded slightly irritated. "You're stalling."
"I am not," Don said, even though she knew perfectly well she was. "I am just saying that Turkey sounds uber lame."
"Don, get out of this apartment."
"Mom, we're in the United Kingdom here. They call it a flat here."
"Fine. Get out of this flat."
"You didn't say please," Don said. "Please and thank you. They are the magic words."
"Don, please get out of this flat and don't come back till 6. Thank you."
"Naw," Don said as she sat on the couch. "I think I'm going to stay right here."
"Don!"
Madeline didn't even have to finish what she was going to say. Don was out the door before Madeline even realized it. As the door closed and locked behind her, Don sighed. What would she do now? She slumped against a wall of the former art store and watched the people walk by. Now, she was out of the house and she didn't have make friends. It was a perfect balance in Don's mind.
Home Again
Author: Alanna Beck
Date: 06-10-08 18:51
Alanna joined her family and future family outside on the patio, where a table had been set for brunch. She slid into the seat between Ariella and Anthony, taking a moment to admire Ariella's ring again, and then helped herself to the carton of pumpkin juice in the middle of the table. There was a somber mood at the table, no doubt caused by Alanna's revelation from last night, which she first voiced to Lawrence and Ariella at platform 9 3/4.
She still couldn't believe what had happened partway through the journey from Hogsmeade Station to King's Cross. The train had slowed to a stop and left the bulk of the cars behind. Alanna hadn't been able to see very well from her window, but she'd heard what other eyewitnesses had to say and hadn't at all liked the news.
"Where do you think they've gone?" Anthony queried, as if reading Alanna's mind.
"Same place as everyone else," Alanna replied, shrugging her shoulders. "It was bound to happen, sooner or later. I just wonder about the teachers who are nons. Is their time up too?"
"Knowing Snider, yes," Lawrence put in, with a shake of his head, "though I don't guess the decision is entirely up to her."
"Let's not discuss this any longer," Tobias decided. "Today ought to be a happy occasion. Ariella is getting married. Alanna's returned home from Hogwarts. We're all––almost all––here."
Alanna wanted to feel happier, but she couldn't really put the memory of yesterday from her mind. She also still felt badly about Ariella's situation, and she missed Toby terribly. Alanna hadn't bonded with Katherine as much as Anthony had, but she nevertheless would rather have had her half-sister there at the brunch table with her than in a dank cell at Azkaban Fortress. All in all, Alanna wagered this summer wouldn't top any of those from the past.
She sighed quietly to herself and poured choco-muesli into a bowl. Lawrence passed her the milk, but Alanna waved it away. She preferred her cereal dry.
The conversation picked up again, this time heavily focused on Ariella and Lawrence's future. Alanna kept quiet, deep within her thoughts.
Wandering and Making a Friend
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 06-11-08 15:01
After breakfast with Brett, before he went off to tend to his day she floo'd to Diagon Alley, for two reasons: she needed to check on her parent's house in London, and she wanted to do some shopping here. She wanted to restock her quills and parchments and see about getting a new animal, since her cat as since wandered off.
She made an executive decision and decided to go check on the house first. She took a cab from the Leaky Cauldron to the house and slipped in the front door and checked on things. A quick owl sent to her parents to let them know that all was well with the house. Once that was done she took another cab back to the Leaky Cauldron. A nod of her head to the tender before she went back to the entrance of Diagon Alley.
Tapping the bricks in the appropriate pattern she would enter the quiet wizarding shopping district. She was wearing a pair of jeans, a tank top, and flip flops and had a small backpack with her that had her money in it. She also had access to her branch of her family's account at Gringott's which on a monthly basis had a stipend transfered into it, that was enriched while she was on summer vacation.
She saw a girl leaning against what used to be, if Orei remembered correctly an Art Store. She saw the 'Middleton Magic' shirt the girl was wearing and smiled. "From the U.S?" She indicated the shirt, a dead give-away that she wasn't a current student at Hogwarts. "My name is Oreileah, but you can call me Orei." She guessed that the girl was a Pure, or at least, if she was a non, had not been found out yet. Though, if she recently moved here, Orei'd heard that all wizards coming into the British Isles were checked for blood status, so the girl must be a pure.
Fo Shizzle My Nizzle
Author: Don Thomas
Date: 06-11-08 17:46
"Nope," Don said as she stretched her neck so that her face was facing towards the sky. "Canada. Close guess though. And the name's Don."
"Like the sunrise?"
Don now looked at the girl standing across from her. "More like the title for a mob boss. D-O-N."
"That's a peculiar name," she said. "But then again, mine is Oreileah. Will you be attending Hogwarts in the fall?"
"Hogpox? Fo shizzle my nizzle. Hogpox is off the heezy fo sheezy. Word."
"What?!"
"Uh, yeah," Don said. "I'll be there. Going to be 6th year."
Oreileah smiled. "Nice. I'm going to be a 7th."
"Coo coo, kachoo. Last year of school. Right on for the real world."
"Yes, right on."
"So," Don said as she fumbled to put her hands in her pockets. "So, are you just friendly or looking to score some drugs? 'Cause I gotta tell ya I'm clean. Drug-free is the way to be. Or so I'm told."
"Oh, you know me. Big druggie." Don chuckled and smiled.
"Sweet. So, like, what do kids do around here? I mean, seems kind of boring."
"Well, there are stores."
Don nodded as she looked around slightly. "So I have noticed. I'm not a big shopper though. I mean, most of the clothes I own come from the good will."
"We can always get a butterbeer."
"Hecks yes," Don said as she backed away from the wall of the former store. "Underage alcoholism, here I come. So where do we find this beer? And do I need a fake ID? Gotta say, I've never been one for the fakeness."
Lunch with Don
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 06-11-08 18:34
"We can always get a butterbeer."
"Hecks yes," Don said as she backed away from the wall of the former store. "Underage alcoholism, here I come. So where do we find this beer? And do I need a fake ID? Gotta say, I've never been one for the fakeness."
Orie blinked and shook her head. "There is no actual beer in butterbeer, otherwise we wouldn't be allowed to drink it." Well, Orei would as she's of age now. "It's good though. It and pumpkin juice are like staples here." She would lead Don away from the art shop wall and toward Delia's.
"Pity you won't have Professor Masterson, or any of the other half decent professors when you go to Hogwarts. Who knows what the staff will be like when we go back in the fall." Orei said as she found a table for her and Don.
The two girls talked over lunch, Orei offering to pick up the tab for the lunches. "Do you know anything about Hogwarts? About any of the houses there?"
Gryffindork and Hufflepoof
Author: Don Thomas
Date: 06-12-08 09:01
"Right, right, right," Don said trying to think back. "Hufflepoof, Slythery, Ravenclod, and Gryffindork. My step-dad got me this book about it. Hogwarts: A History? More like Hogwarts: A Snooztory. Which house are you in?"
"Gryffindor," Oreileah said with a smile. Don nodded.
"Coolness. I'm torn between Gryffindork and Hufflepoof. I mean, it seems like I fit into Gryffindork, but at the same time I'm a wild stallion. Hufflepoof seems cool with us free spirits."
"Well, you don't choose your house. You're sorted by a sorting hat."
Don nodded again. "Right right. I read about that. Sounds surreal, then again a giant talking hippopotamus taught the Understanding Magical Creatures course at Middleton. Imagine being a 1st year and walking in on that."
"You had a hippopotamus teaching your class?"
"No. Not really. But it would be kinda cool if we did. I'd be like 'hecks yes'." Don adjusted her sitting position slightly. "So what's the issue at Hogpox? You seemed a little down about it before. With the staff being out of whack. I'd like to know what I'm up against. I mean, any cool teachers that dress like us? Oh, what about an old death metal rocker as the Muggle Living teach? That would be so frikkin awesome. Had that at Middleton. Bomb ass time."
Happy Haven
Author: Ronan Eastwick
Date: 06-13-08 19:25
When Ronan first arrived at Happy Haven, he couldn't decide if he preferred the arrangements or if he'd have rather gone home to his mother. He'd known then and knew now what he wanted above all, but as Ronan had no access to a time turner and would probably botch the attempt to save Caden anyway, he realized he had to accept his situation. His removal from his ordinary life and subsequent relocation to wherever the Ministry of Magic sent nons (before he knew for sure) had been bound to happen, so why fight it?
Ronan guessed the fair majority of the other nons sent to Happy Haven with him were absolutely miserable, more so than they'd ever been at Hogwarts. Most had cried upon realizing they'd been separated from friends and family and had no assurance that they'd ever be reunited again. Some walked around with red, puffy eyes and tear stains on their cheeks, sobs threatening to escape with every moment that passed.
Whenever possible, Ronan spent his free time outdoors. The buildings that made up Happy Haven School For Nons seemed to suck the energy and motivation from anyone stuck within their walls. The grounds weren't exactly inspiring either, especially since they were surrounded by a high stone wall that made it impossible to see what was on the other side, but at least there was fresh air, blue skies, and sun to keep one company.
Ronan felt naked without his wand in his pocket. He often reached for it, expecting it to be there so he could use it for a simple task, like opening his trunk or making his bed. Now he had to do everything, absolutely everything, by hand. He guessed he'd one day grow used to not relying on his wand so much, though he wished his circumstances for doing so were self-imposed and not regulated by Headmistress Alecto Carrow and whoever paid her salary.
As if someone sensed Ronan didn't feel as down as he probably should, gray clouds swept into view, accompanied by the rumble of thunder. Ronan could tell that it was just a passing storm and that it would end as soon as it started, but he was still disappointed to have his walk outside cut short. He debated for half a second to stay outside and get drenched but then thought better of it. Ronan trudged to the dormitory for boys, escaping the rain a moment too soon.
Planning a Trip and an Owl
Author: Lawrence Masterson
Date: 06-14-08 06:35
Lawrence and Ariella sat on the porch at the Beck household, currently working on an itinerary for a trip to Australia. They had people to visit there, and also wanted to stop in and check on Toby and Bron to see how they are fairing. "We will need to be careful when we go see Toby and Bron, because..." He left the reason unsaid, because they both knew it.
"I know, and I wish they could come home, I really do." Ariella said as she leaned against Lawrence who put his arm around her and held her close, placing a kiss atop her head.
"Things will come right again, soon, I hope." He said softly, flipping through the various fliers in front of them. A faint little sigh of melancholy slipped from Lawrence, and it caused Ariella to look at him with a faint touch of worry in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Just wishing that my parents and my aunt could be there to see us married." He'd lost his parents before he transfered to Hogwarts during his fifth year. His Aunt had shortly after his seventh year, at least at that point he was old enough to be on his own and not shipped off to a foster home to finish his time at Hogwarts.
She hugged him tightly, and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "It will still be a happy occasion." As happy an occasion as it could be given the circumstances.
"Do you want it to be a big wedding? Or just a small intimate gathering with your family there?" He asked her, brushing his hand through her hair. "Do you want to get married here or in Sydney?" He asked the questions, to at least begin planning a few things.
Before she could answer, an owl swooped in and delivered a missive into Lawrence's lap. "It's from Slug and Jiggers Apothecary in Diagon Alley." He said, opening the missive and laughing. "They have decided to hire me. They need someone to create herbal kits for the students at Hogwarts. So that they will have a dried example of everything that will be used in their class at Hogwarts."
"When do you start?" Ariella asked, wondering how this would affect the trip they have planned.
"Not until late July," Lawrence said. "All that means is that we either do the trip a little early or later. Since I won't be teaching at Hogwarts in the fall."
Mr. Simon Rivera: The Clumsy Idiot
Author: Cailyn Spicer
Date: 06-14-08 17:49
Summer had begun and for the most part of it, Cailyn had stayed out of her father’s site and far away from the Evil Simon Rivera. She still regarded him as a bad, bad person and was very intent on getting rid of him. She just had not figured out how. In fact, she was rather annoyed to find him still living in her house when she came home.
The other problem she had was Hogwarts. She didn’t want to go back to Hogwarts, but it seemed as if she didn't have much of a choice in the matter. She didn’t bother to voice her complaints of her school to her father. He seemed to have enough on his hands. Besides, whenever she did, all he would say is Cailyn, we’re lucky we are Pure Bloods, and she didn’t think he had forgiven her for the whole Easter thing yet.
Cailyn sighed and hopped down from the Kitchen counter, Butterbeer in hand and went to look out the window at the beautiful landscape in front of her. It was so calm and surreal. She wished that life was like that, quite and calm. Well, it had been in America. She kicked at the cupboard. Why did they have to leave Washington DC? At least she was some what happy there.
Suddenly from somewhere behind her, Cailyn heard footsteps approaching and then a loud clatter of pots and pans. She turned around to see who it was and glared at Mr. Simon Rivera.
“I thought you would have left by now.” She said not bothering to help the overly clumsy man who had entangled himself in a clatter of pots and pans. Simon Rivera looked up at her through a haze of steal and iron.
“You could help me out of here instead of staring at me like that.” He had the nerve to state.
“Why would I help you? I know you’re not here as my father’s whatever you are. I know you want something else.” She said peering down at him through the pots and pans.
“Yes, I do want something else. I want out of here.” He said. Making more clanging noises and thrashing around. Another pan came down on top of his head, giving him a nice shiny silver hat.
“You’re a wizard, figure out how to get out of there yourself.” Cailyn said turning around to fill her now empty glass with more Butterbeer. She wondered if a person could actually get drunk from Butterbeer. Then decided she didn’t care and turned back around to watch Simon make a bigger fool of himself.
However, when she turned around to face, Simon, he was gone! Cailyn gaped at the spot where Simon had been trapped by the pots and pans. It was completely spotless. She stomped her foot and put her glass down.
Darn! She thought pouting. She was really enjoying watching Simon make a fool of himself. Maybe she shouldn’t have told him to get out of his mess himself. Who knew what sort of trouble he was going to get into now. Whoever said adults didn’t act like idiots were strange people, because it just wasn’t true and Simon Rivera was one of the biggest idiots she knew.
Making friends
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 06-15-08 10:34
Johanna was seated on the shadows of the big wall that surrounded Happy Haven. Most of the students preferred the sun and his light but she was so depressed that she chose the darkness for refuge. Her eyes were red because of the nights she’d been crying on the bed. She putted the pillow over her head so nobody could hear her and also to don’t listen some of the other girls crying too. She wanted to get out of Happy Haven and go home. She knew she was getting pale and thinner.
Now on the wall she thought how ridicules it was. No one cared if she was happy or not. Amycus Carrow was not the type of person who concerned for their Non students. Why should she feel miserable with her actual situation? “After all I’m alive and they don’t intend to kill us!”
“What’s up? “
Johanna searched for the person who spoke. It was a tall blonde boy. He was standing there with a curious look.
“You seem a bit depressed…”
“Like everyone else I suppose.”
“I’m not depressed” He smiled. Johanna begun to think if he was crazy.
“I’m Colin by the way. Colin Hawke. And you are…?”
“Johanna Steele.”
“Nice to meet you Johanna.”
“How old are you?”
“13.”
“So you’re in the third year. I’ve never saw you in Slytherin… In which house you were?”
“None actually. I’ve never been to Hogwarts.”
“…?!”
“I was taught at home by my grandmother who is a witch. I’m a muggleborn. Me and some other students were sent to here before all of you from Hogwarts.”
“And why aren’t you depressed? You must be homesick…”
Colin’s face expressed doubt.
“No… I don’t miss my grandmother. She’s a horrible person. I never liked her.” He changed subject “Do you have any friends here?”
“Yes. Felicia and Gus.” Johanna pointed to them. They’re in the sun seated on the grass speaking to other students. They all look unhappy. “Don’t you have any?”
“Not yet… but that’s why I’m not depressed. In Happy Haven they’re lots of people from my age which I can talk! At home it was only me, my grandmother and her old cat!”
Johanna saw Felicia calling her.
“You better go now. Your friend is calling you.”
Johanna stood up.
“We’ll see each others around Colin! Bye for now.”
“Bye.”
While joining the group Johanna thought that at least for someone Happy Haven School for Nons was really a happy place.