 |
~~Writing
Workshop Anthology~~ |
| Fall Term 2006 Writing Workshop - Characters Participants: Alanna
Pierce, al013 "The first day of a new school
year" The Interview by Venefica von Lehn “Melanie?” After
waiting another five minutes, the guy, founder of their community, finally
turned up. They had met in a chatroom to have a little interview which
would then be posted on their forum. It wasn’t a big community,
but with enough members to always offer interesting topics to talk about.
Lani didn’t remember whose ideas the interviews had been, but
she thought it was a good way to get to know more about each other,
even though she already felt as if she had known the people there nearly
all her life, in stead of just two years or less. She
had just switched off the computer in order to actually start sewing
the dress for Katja when her mother knocked on her door. Magical Sense of Twins by Momoko Asakura It was in the middle of March, wind blew up silently and trees danced following the rhythm of the wind. A girl brought her Advanced Transfigurations book and walked down to Hogwarts castle for having a tea time that Sunday evening. Just about a couple of seconds she sat behind the Ravenclaw’s table on the Great Hall, another girl, whose face is alike with her, ran and came to her, spoke in loud, “Marsha-dear! I want to tell you something. A secret,” told the Gryffindor girl named Mischa, and blinked one of her eyes at the same time. “Ow, what’s going on, Mischa-sis?” Marsha took some mini-muffins from Ravenclaw’s table. “Come on, come on! Have a seat,” said Marsha, started to get hardly wait. “Sis, do you know Gryffindor’s Quidditch captain named Xena? Ah! You should have known him. Both of you are prefects! Why can I forget that?” cut Mischa without giving Marsha a time to answer. “Oh, he’s so handsome! Sis, I think I’m falling in love with him. What do you think?” Getting amazed with Mischa’s statement, Marsha only could keep silent before at last Mischa called, “Marsha! Are you hearing me?” “Er, what? Oh! Oh, sure! Sure, I hear you. I know. Do you mean Xena McMahon, the one whose hair is brown and he is using glasses, don’t you?” “Yes! Perfectly! He is so kind and great! He’s …” But Marsha has not listened what her sister told again. Oh, Xena McMahon, she told inside her heart. Of course I know him. I have been months keeping eyes on him. He’s so charm and kind. I’ve met him for times in the library. He ever asked me where the location of the book of “Astronomy for Advanced-User” was. I also used to watching him for times in Quidditch stadium, when he leaded the practice of Gryffindor’s Quidditch Team. His sharp eyes and his serious face when flying… How can I forget that? I always feel like being hypnotize everytime I meet him. But… What? Does my sister also like him? Oh! See how she is so happy telling this to me. How she, nowadays, being more diligent to study, to improve her scores in classes. How she had Quidditch practices doubled, and even tripled than before. Oh, in fact, all of that are because she is falling in love with... with… with Xena! “Marsha! Hello?” poked Mischa. “Are you really listening to me? What’s going on, Sis? Are you sick?” “Oh, no, no! I’m absolutely fine. I heard your entire story,” It was a truth, although she only heard it in blur. “Sis, please help me. Is there any advice for me?” Marsha looked at her sister’s face for a while, and then took a deep breath. “Okay. After this tea time, let’s go to the library. He used to being there these times. I know his favorite books. I’ll help you.” Then Marsha turned over and grabbed for another full hand of mini-muffins while her thought flied away. Oh, Sister. You must not know about my real feeling. I don’t want to loose that smile from your face, even though it should be changed with my smile. It’s all right. I must be fine. Must be! And later I can forget him one day. I hope so… All I have to do is just concentrate for my NEWT this year and help Mischa getting around with Xena… Three months later after the NEWT… “You must be lying!” said Mischa in a high voice-tone while seeing her older-twin sister sharply. “You must not be serious about leaving Magical World, mustn’t you? “No, I’m not lying,” Marsha said. “You know that I’m eager at the field of designing. I really love drawing!” Then she added, “And this is the way I reach my dream.” “Marsha! You’re a great witch! You are listed as the top five in our year! Even Prof. Aurya has suggested you to continue your study in France and became an Auror. Do you really want to give up for that?” “Be calm, Mischa. I really want to continue my career there, in the Muggle World. Don’t worry; sometimes I’ll visit Magical World again. Moreover, I’ve been 18 years old. At home I still can use magic, as long as there’s no Muggle seeing me. I won’t forget the subjects at Hogwarts that fast,” Marsha grinned. “Marsha, look at my eyes now,” asked Mischa seriously. “Answer my question. You’re not ‘running away’, are you? I always feel that you also like Xena, though you never told me about that.” Refusing to answer Mischa’s question, Marsha smiled. “You’re truly my best sister,” Marsha touched her sister’s shoulder. “But I’ve determined my decision. Please understand. I need your support for my decision. Now, I think we have to get prepare for tonight’s Yule Ball. It’ll be our last time in Hogwarts.” After saying that, Marsha hugged her sister and went into her dormitory, leaving Mischa alone in front of the door of Ravenclaw Common Room. The large clock at the upper tower of Hogwarts rang for six times. Marsha has dressed so beautiful and has been ready for the Yule Ball. When she opened her room door, she found a small piece of paper and took it. It’s written: I’ll wait for you in front of the Charm class. Please meet me there. Xena. Feeling confused, she went to the place quickly with heart beating fast. She found Xena there, still charming, and asked him, “Oh, hello, Xena! Sorry, I just read your note. What’s happened?” “What? I don’t know what you mean. I just came here because you’ve told me to. From the note,” said Xena with a more confused face. “Er, it’s you who sent me note, isn’t it? Here’s the note,” she handed Xena the note. “I don’t write anything. But I also received the same note; it's from you! See this,” he grabbed a piece of paper from his pocket. After glancing at the notes, Marsha thought, “Ah, perhaps someone wrote these for us. Hey, look at there!” She pointed a roll of parchment behind a gargoyle in front of Charm class, unrolled, and read it. Dear Marsha and Xena. Yes. It’s me who sent the notes for both of you. How if both of you go to the Ball together? I knew your true feelings, especially yours, my sister. We’re both twins. I can feel your feeling. And it makes me made a great mistake. I just configured that it was your feeling that made me blushed when seeing him. But now I’ve known my own feeling. I’ll go with him at this Ball. See you around there. Believe me. You’ll never know what might happen. Good luck. Mischa. Having reading the notes, Xena looked at Marsha. “So, can WE go now to the Ball?” He smiled and grabbed Marsha’s hand. Marsha knew that she wouldn’t forget this moment until she was old. She walked to the Great Hall with Xena beside her. Yes, you’re absolutely right, Sis. We’ll never know what might happen after this, thought Marsha, smiling. A Bit of Tears, A Bit of Butterbeer by Jessica Summers Stella Marco and her two best friends were walking along the streets of Hogsmeade, recalling all of the great memories that Hogwarts had brought them over the past seven years. Her one friend Mikayla was almost in tears, being one of the few seventh year students that seemed to fully realize the meaning of graduation. “It’s just that this has been our home for the past seven years!” Mikayla said sadly. Around her eyes were getting red and Stella knew that it would only be a minute or so before she began crying. “I’ll most likely never see half of these people again. We have to go out into the real world and we’ll be alone. And after seven years of being so close with the whole school, I don’t know if I’m ready for it.” The sobbing began. “Of course you are ready for it!” Stella insisted, giving her friend a pat on the back. “Don’t worry, we’re not going to let you be alone. You aren’t the only one going out into the world. We’ll stick together forever, hon.” The truth was that Stella wasn’t even sure that this was true. She was quite upset about leaving this stage of her life too. “You have to admit it will be sad though, not ever being able to come back,” said Mikayla with a frown. Stella and their other friend Anne both nodded sorrowfully. Stella could not stop thinking about all of the times at Hogwarts. From the snowball fights in the winter to the hot days outside trying to study for their final exams, all of the memories, whether good or bad, Stella did not want to ever give up and she had a feeling neither did her friends. “Time to move on, I guess,” Anne said quietly. “I think I’d rather stay in this one place forever,” Mikayla stated. Stella did not even get a chance to agree because the sad moment between the three close friends was ruined as a tall blonde girl ran up to Stella. “Do you know where your brother is?” she asked, looking and sounding like she had had one too many Chocolate Frogs. “No,” replied Stella, trying not to sound like she didn’t care. Of course she didn’t care though and not only did she not care but she never had any idea where any of her brothers ever were. She never did but somehow she was always the one that everyone asked to know their location. “Because he said he was going to meet me in The Three Broomsticks but he never showed up!” the girl complained. Stella tried to stop herself from rolling her eyes but she just couldn’t help it. She immediately figured out which brother the hyper-angry girl had inquired about. “Check the Quidditch shop,” she said and then grabbed the hands of her two friends and dragged them into The Three Broomsticks before anyone else could ask her where one of her siblings were. “That Giovanni,” Anne laughed as Mikayla ordered three butterbeers from the waitress. “Such a heartbreaker.” “Yep, and the girls continue to love him. Pretty nice system he has working for him,” Mikayla said, also laughing. It was weird how the sad moment earlier had been forgotten. It was like it was a normal day in Hogsmeade and not the last Hogsmeade trip that they would ever take. “Too popular for his own good if you ask me,” Stella said, a bit annoyed by all of the girls asking where her brother, Giovanni, was lately and why he hadn’t met them where he was supposed to. He had always been this way though so that wasn’t why she was annoyed or surprised. She just wanted to know why if his many girlfriends didn’t know where he was, they all thought she would. “Aw, you’re just jealous,” Mikayla joked. Stella laughed at this. “Sure,” she answered sarcastically. “I’m incredibly jealous of my brother and his amazingness. He’s just so brilliant, I can’t take it anymore.” “Ah, I’ve been waiting 17 years to hear you say that.” The three girls all turned their heads quickly to see a tall and very tan boy standing behind them. Anne covered her face to hide what Stella knew had to have been a blush and then rolled her eyes at the boy. He looked identical to Giovanni but was actually a completely different person. “Not you, Antonio,” Stella said. “Giovanni. And I was being sarcastic,” she added before Antonio could squeeze in a laugh. “What is my lovely brother up to this time? Going on dates with four different girls at a time again?” said Antonio, laughing at his brother whose ways he obviously found amusing. It was evident that everyone knew about Giovanni’s ways. “Pretty much,” Stella said with a nod. “Not very nice but what can you expect from a guy like him?” Antonio said, shrugging. “Not
much,” Stella said with a grin. Antonio laughed then joined his
sister and her friends for a delicious butterbeer and the sharing of
a few funny stories about the mysterious love life of their brother,
Giovanni. The girls would worry about their futures later. Now was time
to enjoy life as it was. Trouble in a New School Year by Jenna Hathaway The doors to the Beauxbatons Grand Hall had just been opened, and students—old and new—started pouring in and filling the tables. It was the first day back at school, and the air was full with excitement and chatter. A smile formed across Iris Morgan’s lips as she made her way to her table and waved hello to her friends. She was in her last year, and it was going to feel bittersweet when she finally graduated. But that was still a long way to go, and she wanted to cherish each day as it passed. “Hey, Iris! Where’d you go on summer holiday this time?” asked her best friend, Clarisse Delancey. Iris simply laughed. “When will you stop asking me that question? You know I enjoy being at home more than anything. I had fun relaxing around the house with Aurora, if you must know. I also took care of our garden since Mother has been so busy with her job. The roses just bloomed and they’re really lovely.” “My goodness! You spent the beautiful summer holiday inside the house? You need to get out more, missy. At this rate you’ll never find any hot guy you can kiss before you’re twenty,” Clarisse pointed her fork at her, pretending to be annoyed. Iris laughed, for Clarisse must have told her that about a hundred times now. It had already become their inside joke and Iris was so used to hearing it that she never even thought about it for more than two seconds anymore. “Hey, Morgan! Back from babysitting your sister I see,” a familiar voice that made Iris’s mood darkened at once came from behind. She took a deep breath before turning to face Jillian Barker, another seventh year student who was standing behind her, hands on her hips. “How is poor little Clementine doing? Is she learning to crawl again? I thought she’s past that stage years ago.” She laughed at her own joke, and Iris’s grip on her fork tightened. Her face slowly turned red as anger started building inside her chest. Seeing the signs of her friend’s temper rising Clarisse quickly pulled Iris’ arm gently. “Iris,” she reminded her. “Look, Jillian, why don’t you mind your own business, okay?” But Jillian didn’t seem like she was inclined to follow the advice. “I feel really sorry for her. Tell her if she needs walking lessons she can get it from me, free of charge.” At the moment the words left Jillian’s mouth, Iris leapt from her seat and grabbed the other girl’s collar. Jillian shrieked as loud as she could, inviting a few professors who quickly hurried toward the source of the commotion. Before Iris knew it, she’d been dragged to the Headmaster’s office. The two of them were soon left in the big office, and not long after Madame Maxime appeared from her private quarters behind the office. She stared at both girls with a look of concern on her face. “Miss Morgan,” she boomed. “Miss Barker. Please sit down.” Iris and Jillian obeyed, neither one would look at each other and stayed as far away from the other as the chairs in front of Madame Maxime’s desk allowed. “So tell me what happened.” “She tried to kill me!” Jillian said at once. Iris stared at her in disgust. “Actually Madame, she insulted my sister. Again. And I didn’t do anything to her except trying to make her understand it is not acceptable.” Madame Maxime looked surprised. “Jillian, is that true?” “Of course not!” Jillian denied. “Oh, please. There are a lot of witnesses there. Plus, why would I attack her for no reason? You know I’m not that kind of student, Madame Maxime. And yes, I know attacking other student isn’t allowed no matter what the reason is, but at least I’m willing to admit my mistake.” “Playing the old goody-two-shoes card again, aren’t you?” mocked Jillian, and Iris had to suppress the urge to kick the other girl’s leg under the table. “Ladies,” Madame Maxime sighed. “Look, it’s just the start of school year. It would be really nice if you all could behave so everyone can enjoy the welcoming party. Miss Barker, please refrain from insulting other students and their family members. Miss Morgan, please try to control yourself. You’ve been such a wonderful student and I’d hate to see you in detention. For today I won’t punish you two, but do something like this again and you won’t be tolerated. You may return to dinner now.” Both girls mumbled thank you, stood up, and left. Clarisse was waiting anxiously on their table when Iris returned. “Did you get detention?” she asked worriedly. Iris shook her head, and Clarisse breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness. You really should stop jumping on people like that, Iris. The Iris I know is a sweet and gentle girl, and I want her to stay that way.” Iris smiled with a hint of shame. “Sorry, Clarisse. You know me when it comes to Clementine. She’s been through so much and she doesn’t deserve to be insulted like that. I mean, it’s not her fault she became like that. I don’t see why people would mock other people’s unfortunate condition. It’s just… so inhuman. Why does Jillian hate Clementine so much anyway? What did she ever do to her?” she looked terribly upset, and Clarisse encircled one hand around her best friend’s shoulder. “Look, that’s exactly why she does it. She does it to break you down. She’s jealous of you. It’s not that she hates Clementine, she’s just using her because she knows it’s your weakness. So you need to control yourself because she isn’t worth your time. If you keep up this attitude it will only satisfy her more.” Iris thought about that a moment, but she still looked doubtful. “Promise me you won’t do something like that again, okay? For me?” Iris
sighed. “Okay. Promise.” The two of them smiled and continued
their interrupted dinner. Decision
and Argument by Ireth Halliwell Then there was a shadow came not so far from where she sat. The shadow was tall and thin and looked rushed. It became clearer, until the shadow became a young man with short black hair. The young man grinned at the girl. “You’re late, Dallas. I’ve been waiting here like ten hours,” said Ceana, the girl who was sitting on the bench. She rose and started walking along with Dallas, his younger brother. Although they were siblings, people often mistakenly thought both of them as a couple because they were not that similar. But both Ceana and Dallas took it just fine. “Hyperbole,” Dallas pinched her sister’s arm soft and laughed. “I still had to put Maude at vet. It’s his schedule to have monthly treatment.” “Don’t you ever feel that sometimes Maude has more special treatment than us? I mean, he is just a cat!” said Ceana. “You’re not jealous of him, are you?” teased Dallas. “I love him beyond I love you and Mom and Dad, how could I be jealous of him? I was just wondering though,” Ceana replied. “Wondering, ‘Oh God, when will I ever got special treatment like Maude?’ I know! Why don’t you just go to the vet too? So you can have the same treatment as Maude,” this time Dallas laughed hard. And so was Ceana. “Certainly I wished,” Ceana had to admit that his brother’s sense of humor is pretty good. That’s why they rarely had a fight, because they always try to understand each other. Now both of them were standing in a bus stopping. They were going to London to see Ceana’s new apartment. Ceana had decided to live there since now she has graduated and she wanted to live on her own . “Here it is,” said Ceana after the bus arrived. “Come on!” Next, Ceana and Dallas were already on the bus, heading to London where they had the appointment. Ceana sat near the window so she could see the view of the streets. She thought inside, she’ll miss the views, Wister Park, her favorite book shop, and even Maude just for leaving her hometown. “Dallas,” called Ceana, “I wonder, what you think of my decision?” “Which decision?” asked Dallas. “This, living my own life in London. Leaving you and Mum and Dad and Maude away.” “Ceana, I think it’s fine. If that is what you want and if that is what you think the best for you, then I’ll fully support you. Because I know that someday I’ll probably live somewhere else like you. Besides, you’re a big girl. I know you can take of yourself, and I know that you’re a responsible girl,” Dallas’ face said that he meant all of his words. “But, Mum and Dad? You know what happened when I talked about this first with them.” Dallas chuckled a bit, “My dear sister, don’t you ever learn about parents’ loving? It’s obvious, they were just worried about you. And they don’t want anything bad happens to you, even though you’ve explained everything to them. Still, they would think in their point of view.” “Their point of view? That’s the problem! They never try to understand my point of view,” Ceana sighed and watched the streets back. “Relax, sis. Eventually, they will understand too. Just think of it, someday you’ll have kids too and how do you think of your children’s point of view?” Ceana looked sharply at Dallas, “Yeah, and the fact that I am still single?” “Alright, alright. Let’s just enjoy this trip, for a while,” said Dallas. Ceana answered by smiling bitterly. Her mind returned to where she argued with her Mum. Ceana was already set; she finished her list for moving to London. A contact to find an apartment for her, a decent job somewhere in Diagon Alley, some important things that she needed; she checked them all. Ceana flipped her mini note book and put it inside her jacket’s pocket, and then she walked out of her room to downstairs. Passing by the TV room, Ceana saw a glimpse of her mother sitting on the sofa and silently watching the TV. Ceana stopped her step and thought for a while, would she or would she not talk to her mother about her most important decision in her life. She hesitated several times, until she finally made up her mind and approached her mother. Mrs. Ferris felt someone standing next to her who turned out to be her daughter. She smiled at her and gave a pat on the empty space beside her for Ceana to sit. Ceana smiled and took the seat. “You look different,” Mrs. Ferris said straightly, “and I assume it must be something important.” Ceana’s heart pounded, a mother’s instinct was never wrong. And now she hesitated again, panic began to take over her. But she had to say it, no matter what. “Yes,” Ceana started, “I was just wondering, if I can have a chance to… to live somewhere else?” Mrs. Ferris’ eyebrows lifted, “Live somewhere else? Are you talking about scholarship? I never heard Beauxbatons giving scholarships.” Ceana bit her lips, she was starting to regret why she had to take this risk, talking to her mother. “It has nothing to do with Beauxbatons. It was… it was my own decision.” Ceana finally spilled it out, but her mother yet gave any reactions. Her eyes were still fixed on the television, even though, Ceana knew that those eyes were not concentrating on the funny sitcom being aired now. “Mum?” called Ceana soft. “I’ve known about this,” said Mrs. Ferris suddenly, sternly. “Not long ago I found your note book lay open on your table and I accidentally read it.” This time Mrs. Ferris’ eyes turned to Ceana who began to feel worried. “You read my notebook?” Ceana’s temper changed. “Ceana, I know your plan. I have talked to your father, and there’s no way you are going to go. We had a better plan for you, that is to stay here. With us,” Mrs. Ferris stood and moved away, approaching the hallway and then the kitchen. “But, why? Don’t I have the right to decide what’s good for my own? And why are you suddenly acting like this?” Ceana stood too and protested her mother. “Because you don’t have any idea what’s out there, and we don’t want you to live there alone while muggles are around you.” “That is not a valid reason! What exactly do you mean by ‘live there alone while muggles are around me’? You know that we’ve lived for years mingling with muggles here! Then, what else is wrong? If you want me to go hang out with witches or wizards, I could always go to Diagon Alley. It’s nearby,” Ceana sighed. “Mum, I don’t think everything I said would make you understand. I’d rather not to discuss this anymore with you, not until you have a valid reason why I shouldn’t go to London!” Ceana left her mother immediately. Ceana was all emotional. She never knew that she could be that angry. Now all she could think was locking herself in her room and spill out all her disappointment. Back in the bus, Ceana began to cry. She knew deep inside that her mother only tried to protect her. But she had decided, and her mother must respect that, no matter what. Ceana wiped her tears and closed her eyes, wishing her trip to London would be all safe.
The Missing Key by Dariya Akimova Josia
was standing in his room. In fact, he was packing. He was a bit late
with it. Today his summer holiday would come to its end and he had to
go back to Hogwarts. Thought it wasn't any kind of bad thing. He liked
being at Hogwarts. He had lots of friends there. But he still should
have packed maybe yesterday or something. But it was a known fact that
he was always late. "Are you ready soon, Josia? We're leaving in ten minutes," she said and looked at her watch and then Josia's trunk. "I am ready, mom," Josia answered and locked the trunk. Then he took his guitar and handed it to his mother. "Could you take this to downstairs? I'll bring everything else." Her mother nodded and took the guitar and left to the downstairs. Josia took the trunk and started lugging it to downstairs, wondering what in the world he had put in it to make it so heavy. After stumbling in stairs, leaving to the train station, coming back to get a forgotten book and getting lost in the city, Josia and his family finally managed to get to the King's Cross. With all books, clothes, wands, robes and stuff. Hopefully. And just in time. The train was leaving in about five minutes. Josia said goodbyes hastily and then rushed to rain. Though "rushing" was a bit hard with a trunk, which was about a weight of an elephant. But eventually he made it in time and got in to the train and started looking for his friends. Soon he saw Isabel, a Gryffindor girl from his grade. She was standing back at him so Josia tried to get her attention: "Hey! You! Isabel!" Josia got the girl's attention. She immediately turned around. Unluckily, she just wasn't the Isabel that Josia was looking for. Josia grinned sorrily when he noticed that he had shouted at a wrong girl. This girl was just some poor firstie who had now been attacked by Josia without a warning. She looked quite terrified. "Sorry. My mistake," Josia grinned and the girl nodded quietly and walked away. He
continued looking for his friends and finally found them. There were
the Gryffindor girls Sarah and Isabel, Sabrina and Eric from Rawenclaw
and one Hufflepuff boy. They all greeted Josia cheerfully and Josia
lugged his trunk to compartment and opened it and started looking for
his robes. He would need them soon anyway. "You're going to take that again to school?“ Isabel asked and looked at the skateboard very meaningfully. She knew everything about last year when Josia had rolled over three professor’s whit his skateboard. It really had been a disaster. A lot of detention for Josia. "It was an accident!“ Josia said. He knew what Isabel meant. But it really was an accident. He hadn't done it on purpose. "That's not an excuse," Sabrina complained. Josia shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever. It still was an accident." Eric just laughed. "We know, Josia. You are really accident-prone. We all know." Josia tried to look irritated but couldn't help grinning. Guess everyone knew it. Usually when there was some kind of catastrophe at school he was always somehow involved. Some people just were like that. Accident-prone. Just like Eric had said. After at least a million hours, like Josia had said, the train was finally at Hogwarts. And of course Josia was the first one to jump out of the rain with his trunk and Eric, Isabel and other followed him like little puppies. Just like last year. But it didn't really bother him. He liked the attention. When they finally got to Hogwarts there was all the students and professors standing at the front door. "Why
is no one going inside? Why we're standing here?“ Isabel asked
and jumped up and down trying to see something over the crowd. "The door is locked and the key is missing!“ some Gryffindor girl knew to tell them. That made Josia laugh. "You mean the headmaster has lost the key?" Girl nodded. She seemed to be very sure about it. "Unbelievable..." Sabrina said sceptically. "Why they don't just brake a window or something?“ Josia asked like it would have been the first thing anyone would have done in a situation like that. "Josia! You're just so brainless!“ Sabrina said in a voice that told what she really thought about Josia's intelligence. "It didn't pop to your mind that they might even have some kind of spell to prevent burglaries? Josia?" Sabrina looked around her. She didn't see Josia anywhere near. "How he does that? He was here just like a second ago!" Sabrina said to Isabella who just shrugged her shoulders. Sabrina looked like she could have screamed. "Well. When he comes back, I'll definitely tell him what I think about his habit to get lost all the time. It's just annoying." Josia was totally unaware of Sabrina's plans. At the moment, he was trying to get closer the front door. He had just remembered something. Something really important. Something that had something to do with the missing key. He had... kind of... borrowed it last year. He just had completely forgotten all about it. Because it had ended up pretty badly. He had been in the Hospital Wing with half of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. A lot of broken bones. But the key... Well... At least they had totally beaten the Slytherin team. "Professor? Excuse me," Josia tapped one of the professors on the shoulder. The professor screamed and turned around and Josia saw she was the divination teacher. Cassandra Sign. Great. That woman was just afraid of everything. "Um... I... I think I know where the key is...“ Josia started uncertainly. He wasn't sure which would be worse: telling the headmaster where they key was and suffering the consequences or not to tell and let everyone stand outside for who knows how long time. Somehow he felt for him the better option would be not to tell but of course right option was to tell. And maybe it wouldn't be that bad. He would be in detention anyway in day or two. "You do? Headmaster!“ Sign waved her arms. The headmaster, old, bald man, named Datepalm, saw Sign. "What's wrong now?“ he asked Sign in a bored voice. "This boy... He... He says he knows where the key is," Sign stammered and nodded towards Josia. Headmaster's face turned red immediately when he saw whom "this boy" was. "Josia Strata! I knew you had something to do with this!" "Oh. But I don't," Josia claimed. "I just know where it is." Well,
that was a lie but... Hey, the headmaster didn't have to know everything.
It would just make him angry. And that wouldn't be nice, right? Of course
Josia had to think about other people's feelings too. "It's-on-the-roof-of-the-train," Josia finally said quickly. "Train! What train?!“ the headmaster looked like a tomato now. "Um.. The Hogwarts Express train?“ Josia suggested prudently and took couple of steps backwards. You can never be too careful. Especially when it's about your life. Mister Datepalm took a deep breath. He obviously tried to calm down. "When does that train leave?“ he asked from the deputy headmistress Cinnamon Griffin who was standing right next to him. "In 5 minutes, sir,“ Griffin answered without even taking a look at a watch. 5 minutes. They definitely wouldn't make it in time. But a look at the headmaster told Josia that it would be better to try. Even if it was impossible. For a little moment everyone where just standing, thinking what should they do. But the headmaster soon made it very clear: "Go! Go! Get that key! Go!" The headmaster's shout made all the teachers to start running to the railway station. Josia rolled his eyes. Like they could make it in time. But maybe they just had seen the same as he had: it is better to try. Josia himself took his broomstick. It would be better than running. Soon
Josia saw the train. But it had already left the station. Not so good
thing. Now it would be extremely difficult to land to the roof and take
the key. But guess he just had to try it. So he caught the train and
flew a moment next to it. It wasn't a good idea because the train was
just speeding up all the time. That's why he finally decided to try
landing to the roof. *** "Oh. He's waking up!“ a girl's voice said and hushed the others. When Josia opened his eyes he saw Isabel, Sabrina, Eric and Curys, Edward and Nicholas from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. They all were in the Hospital Wing. "That was awesome, Josia!“ Curys said enthusiastically. "I've never ever seen a dive like that before!" "Curys! He's fallen from a moving train! That's isn't 'awesome'. Don't encourage him!“ Sabrina reprimanded Curys. Josia laughed sleepily although it hurt. Guess he had some broken bones... "Don't worry, Josia. You'll be alright. You just have a broken leg and something like that," Isabel said calmly. Josia laughed again. He wasn't worried about any broken legs. He didn't have so many bones that wouldn't have been broken ever. "But maybe you should pretend to be unconscious for a while. The headmaster doesn't exactly think you're a hero or anything. He was happy for a while when he finally got the key but... He still wants to give you detention. A lot," Eric told. Josia grimaced. Should have known it. Headmaster wanted him to detention anyway. But well... then it was all the same had he taped the key on the roof of the train or not. But at least everything was now okay. The key was found and everybody was alright. He'd be alright too in a couple of days. Hopefully. And the detention wouldn't be that bad either. Curys, Edward and Nicholas would be there too. In fact, Josia wasn't the one whose idea it was to tape the key on the train. He didn't remember whose idea it was but at least it wasn't his idea. "He's exhausted. We have to let him to rest now," Josia heard Sabrina's voice somehow like through a fog. Maybe he had been given sleeping potion or something... He heard how everybody was leaving. Good. In fact, he felt very sleepy. "Don't believe her. It still was awesome," Josia heard Curys' whisper. Guess Sabrina had already left. "I
know," Josia answered and fell asleep with a smile on his face. Concert Mishap by Cassandra Lobiesk Author’s note: The anthology is now focused on Eissa’s point of view regarding her interview written on assignment 2 of the Writing Workshop class. Loud buzzing noises refused to leave Eissa’s ears as she entered at the back of the stage to find her sister Kismet. She took a few seconds to adjust her eyes from the glaring lights backstage. It was a matter of time until she did find the person she was looking for. Kismet Eski, singing superstar of the Muggle and wizarding world, was talking to her manager as a number of makeup artists were primping her hair and adding her jewelry. Spotting her sister, Kismet animatedly waved to Eissa and beckoned her over. Eissa took that opportunity to approach her sister. “Kismie, sister dear!” Eissa cried out, her eyes sparkling with joy. “My goodness, is it always this hectic every time you perform on stage?” “Pretty much,” Kismet laughed, “I’ll talk to you a bit more after the show, okay? The crowd’s getting a bit louder, and I should start soon.” So with a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, Eissa made her way near the curtains to watch her sister start the performance. The lights flared on the stage and the buzzing noise in Eissa’s ears grew louder. She glanced outside and saw the source of the buzzing noise: the crowd cheered as loud as they could. Music started to blare and the concert began. Eissa grinned. She knew how much of an entertainer her sister was and didn’t doubt that Kismet will knock the crowd dead. Instead of watching her sister the whole time, Eissa roamed her eyes towards the crowd to see if she could spot any of her own kind of people. She saw cloaked figures mixed with unassuming Muggles and smiled. Well, at least both magic and non-magic folk can enjoy the same thing at the same time, even if the Muggles didn’t know anything about magic. Something at the back caught Eissa’s eye and she squinted. Was there a little bit of disturbance at the back? One of the camera men stood next to Eissa and lightly touched her sleeve. Eissa turned and gave him a questioning look. “Anything up?” “Something’s going on at the other end. We’re all a bit tied up here, do you think you could check it out, Miss Eski?” “Sure,” Eissa replied, fingering the wand inside her pocket. “Shouldn’t be too bad, I suppose.” Eissa made her way through the audience and finally arrived at her destination. It was a good thing she was there, too, because there had been something wrong with a small group. On the side, Eissa saw quite a number of unnatural occurrences. For one thing, a number of Muggles were simultaneously sneezing and coughing. Their eyes welled over and some of them were yelling at each other, intent on placing the blame on someone who might look suspicious enough to have caused the horde of wheezes. Eissa fought her laughter as she approached an audience member that was beginning to turn blue. “Is everything okay here, mister?” Eissa asked. The man looked at her with crazed eyes. “Okay?! Do I look okay? I’m growing blue fur for chrissakes! I’m not okay!” “I think…(achoo!)…it might be some…(achoo!)…kind of…(achoo!)…wand work…” a nearby witch said, trying to help Eissa in solving the problem. “Gah! (Achoo!) I…can’t…(wheeze)…stop…” A few people started writhing on the ground, their skin transfiguring into blue fur. Some even coughed out rats, which frightened a few of the women next to them. Eissa looked around, panic in her eyes. Was everyone noticing all the odd happenings at the back? Thankfully, most of the nearby crowd was too engrossed in Kismet’s performance to have turned around and figure out what was happening. It gave Eissa some time to try to fix things up. Taking her wand out, it was time to hunt down the magical anomaly. Sparkling caught the corner of Eissa’s eye and she turned to the cause. There, near a writhing blue-furred wizard, was the source of the catastrophe. The wand was still spinning around, unleashing dark blue and green sparks. After the sparks hit, the sneezing and the coughing began. Trying not to get hit, Eissa pointed her own wand at the backfiring magic and muttered under her breath. The wand stopped spinning and sputtered out grey smoke. Eissa let out a sigh and started to make her way towards the cloaked figures. After healing the sneezing witch that helped her out earlier, the witch then procured her wand from her pocket. “Thanks, honey, I’ll try to help out as much as I can. I do very well with memory charms.” “Oh, thanks,” Eissa replied with relief, “I’m no good at obliviating at all. I’ll start over here.” Eissa worked with healing her way through every magical person, and afterwards they all aided her in performing memory charms on the Muggle folk. Blue fur started to disappear one by one, and the rats were cleaned out as quickly as possible. After quite a number of minutes, everyone started clapping as Kismet started another song in her repertoire. Eissa thanked the wizards for their memory charms and instructed a few wizard medics to transfer some of the more serious cases to St. Mungo’s. She would have someone deal with them later. A bit fatigued from the healing, Eissa headed back to the stage. Kismet came back in for her intermission, flushed and smiling. “Hey, everything going okay back here?” Kismet’s sister chuckled, “Oh, completely peachy, don’t worry!” “Good! Talk to you later, then!” and Kismet went back on the stage. Eissa smiled. She’d have to tell her sister what happened later. For now, the show must go on, and it was time to enjoy it. The First day of a new year by Alanna Pierce It
was an early, silent morning and the darkness of the night still covered
most of the city, but as the sun was slowly rising to the sky, the sound
of a giant bell broke the morning silence. In an apartment near the
academy of the city, a young girl woke up to the sound of the bell.
She slowly got out of bed and went to the bathroom to get a shower and
after it she looked herself in the mirror as she dressed her long red
hair. It took her a little longer than usually this morning, but this
was also a very special morning, she was going to start on her third
year at the academy. But more importantly she was the class representative
and president of the student council, therefore she was going to hold
the welcome speech. She left the bathroom and went to her sleeping room
where she dressed and put on her school uniform, a red cowl with a silver
buckle. After having a quick breakfast, she gathered her books and papers
in her bag, which she put on her back and left the apartment. There
was a short walk from her apartment to the academy and it usually took
her around 10 minutes to get there, but today was different she made
a stop at the giant monument for the protectors of the city, it was
a monument made to remember those, who had died in service of the city.
Her parents’ names where written on the monument among many other
names. It had been almost 10 years since they died, so today was a kind
of anniversary. The real name of the monument was “The fallen
protectors”, a very fitting name, she thought to herself as she
kneeled before the giant monument and closed her eyes, she was silence
like this for a minute and then she continued her walk to the academy.
She was walking through the academy gates, when she saw Mike Strouf
standing near the fountain, which was in the middle of the academy yard.
He was a year older than her and he was in the fourth year class. He
was also one of the few persons, she had problems handling. They were
not friends, more like enemies and he had been after her since he lost
the election for president of the student council to her. She always
tried to avoid him when possible, but today he had already seen her
and was coming her way. “Salina! Long time, no see. How are you?”
a voice called out. She turned a little and saw her old friend Nikitza
coming towards her. “Hey Nikitza, I am fine, but I thought you
would be traveling this year.” Nikitza was no longer a student
at the academy, but had become a mage commander just before the summer
holidays. “Well, the situation has changed.” Nikitza said
as they walked towards the entrance of the academy building. “Changed?”
she replied wondering. “Haven’t you heard? The war is at
full swing again. I guess they couldn’t rest any longer.”
Nikitza replied, surprised that Salina did not know about it. “I
see, I knew that there were a few encounters doing the holiday, but
are they really going all out?” She asked, it would be troublesome
if the conflict came any closer to the city, she thought to herself.
“I think so, anyway don’t be late for the student council
meeting.” Nikitza said and went in the direction of the headmaster’s
office. Salina turned down the hall to the student council meeting room,
where all other student activities and committees were placed as well.
As she opened the door to the meeting room, she heard the sound of chair
scraping against the floor. She walked in and saw that the members of
the council were standing waiting for her to take her seat at the end
of the table, some of the members lowered their heads, as a sign of
respect, as she walked by. She reached her seat and opened the meeting.
“As you all know we are at the start of a new school year and
it is my hope that we will continue the good co-operation within the
student council.” She said, the thing about the co-operation was
a lie, they had a great deal of problems doing the last year, first
because of the war and later because of the Houses’ discussion
about the election of the new speaker. She hoped that the problems about
the co-operation would not explode again, but it was something that
was likely to happen, since most members of the student council belonged
to one of the Houses. Some of the members smiled in response to her
words. “I am also sure that all of you are aware of the fact that
we will soon be welcoming some new members in our midst. After all there
is not that much time left before the election. I shall not keep you
much longer, I know that all of you have got other activities to attend
to. So does anyone have anything for this meeting?” She looked
around to see if anyone had anything, but it did not seem so. “Okey,
then. This meeting is adjourned.” She said. The members began
to leave the room only the vice-president stayed. “Are you even
ready for the speech?” The vice-president asked. “Well,
I am as ready as I can be.” She replied. “Then let’s
get going, they are going to start soon.” The vice-president said
and left the room with her following close after. She and the vice-president
entered the auditorium just a few minutes later through a side door,
which lead directly to the podium, still they were a little late for
the gathering. “…And now I would like to give the word to
president Salina de Nitran of our student council.” The headmaster
finished as he saw that the president of the student council had arrived.
Salina walked up to the headmaster, exchanged a few words with him and
shook his hand, before turning to the podium. She looked out over the
audience. One the first few rows she saw the new first years in their
sand-colored cowls, just behind them were the second years in their
gray-colored cowls and just behind them were her own year, the third
years in their red-colored cowls, behind her classmates were the fourth
years in their yellow-colored cowls and finally at the top of the auditorium
were the fifth years in their light blue–colored cowls and of
course some special invited guests. There were a few people on the different
rows who wore a black-colored cowl, which was pretty hard to get, she
should know, since she herself had the right to wear it, but she did
not like it, because it reminded her of her parents, there were of course
time when she could not avoid it, but this was not one of these times.
“Welcome new students and also a welcome to the returning students.”
She began slowly and continued, “We are at the start of a new
school year and therefore there are some practical things you need to
know, I am sure that the headmaster has told you about the administration
side, so I will tell you about the student body. The election for the
student council begins in about 3 weeks, so if you are interested in
more information, you can ask one of the current members of the student
council. There are also some other student activities such as the Magic
Ball committee, the study group committee and so on. There are also
more class specified groups you can join and finally there is also the
defensive committee, which takes care of the protection of the school
in times of emergence. These are just some of the many options you will
have here. Again, I bit you welcome and wish you a good school year.
I hope you will enjoy studying here.” She ended and stepped down
from the podium. |