Artemis Xenoi stared at her parents in shock. "What do you mean we have to move to England?' Artemis finally asked after a few moments of silence.
"What part of it don't you understand? Your father now has the chance of a lifetime to work for the preservation of what small population of English dragons are left," their mother, Moa, explained patiently from across the dinner table.
Artemis bit her lip in frustration. She was happy for her father, she really was, but moving to England… and just before her sixth year at the West Coast Academy of Magic was about to begin… It was a bit much. However, she could understand her father's enthusiasm entirely, she herself being rather fond of both magical and non-magical creatures. She'd have to leave all her best friends behind though… Ruth, Hartwin, Dakota, Cara… how was she going to make it in a foreign country without them. And she'd have to make all new friends once she got to her new school… what was it called again? Hogwalls?
"When are we moving?" she asked, hoping it wouldn't be for at least a week so that she could break the news to her friends and make sure that they would keep in touch. Especially Ruth, since she had known since they were in diapers.
"Next Friday. We'll be traveling by the International Portkey Network, you know," her father said happily. "Cheer up, Artemis. Look at it this way,, you can start all over again once-"
"Dad! I'm not depressed or anything! Sheesh!" Artemis snapped, rather uncharacteristically. "I'm done eating now," she announced in a calmer tone. "May I please be excused?"
"Of course," Moa said.
Artemis stood up and went upstairs to her room to mull things over. There was definitely no way of getting out of moving, and no way on earth that she would even think of talking her father out of his dream job. Drake had been dreaming of this sort of thing as far back as Artemis could remember, and she couldn't ever find it in her heart to even think of denying him it.
Laying down on her bed, Artemis stretched out, putting her hands behind her head. She glanced over at the moving poster of her idol, Sora Kanzaka, the Japanese aerial gymnast. Artemis' stomach sank. She had been heavily looking forward to being able to compete in the tournament between North American wizarding schools this year, as she was finally old enough to participate. "Damn it," she sighed softly. Her Siamese cat, Salem jumped on the bed and walked up her stomach to poke his black face into hers inquisitively.
Artemis absent-mindedly stroked his gleaming cream colored coat, running a hand up his black tail. "What do you think of going to England, dear Salem?" she asked him. In response, the cat rubbed his chin against hers, purring. Smiling, Artemis felt her spirits return slightly. Well, one thing was for certain- she wouldn't have to leave all of her friends behind. Looking around her room though, her eyes fell upon her cluttered desk. Pushing Salem off of her, she walked over to grab some parchment, her ink, and a quill. She took the items over to her bed, and began writing a letter to her friend, Ruth.
Dear Ruth,
How are you? Things are pretty good over here. Well, actually, life could be a bit better. My dad just got his dream job- working to preserve what little dragons are left in England, and the surrounding British Isles; personally, I wouldn't be surprised if it encompassed all of Europe. That's the good news. Unfortunately for this to be happening, as you might have already guessed ,is that he will be transferring to England, along with the entire family moving there. Personally, I'm not thrilled with this idea at all, but there's no way I can possibly get out of it.
It totally sucks! Just when life was getting good at W.C.A.M. too… I told you how Alden and I are keeping in touch this summer, and I was really hoping that we would maybe hook-up in school. Guess that's not going to be happening anytime soon though. Damnit. I also won't be able to compete in the aerial gymnastics this year- maybe they have something like it over in England? I know that they have Quidditch there as well, which is all well and fine, but it's definitely not the same. Besides, I don't think they'd be too keen on letting a "Yank" on their team…
Gods, Ruth! What am I going to do without you guys over there? Hopefully I'll make some new friends, but don't worry, you'll always be number one! We'll have to hang out before I leave- which is next Friday by the way. Write soon!
Love always, your friend forever,
Artemis
Artemis finished the letter with their usual salutation. She looked over it for spelling errors, since she was a stickler for that sort of thing, rolled it up, sealed it, and wrote Ruth's name on the front. Artemis then began to write two similar letters to her two other good friends that she had met at school whom she shared a dorm with, Cara and Dakota, and then one to her gay male friend, Hartwin. She joked to all three of them about the possibility of hooking up with a cute English boy. Grabbing the letters up, she walked over to her owl, Storm.
"I need you to deliver these, Storm," Artemis explained, tying them up to her leg. Luckily, Storm was a rather large barn owl, so the letters made very little difference to her. "They're to Ruth, Cara, Hartwin, and Dakota, so make sure that they get them, 'k?" With a hoot of comprehension, Storm was flying off into the night. Always curious about the night sky, which she loved, Artemis stuck her head out of the window to glance at the sky. It was a deep black, letting the trillions stars easily illuminate themselves along night's canvas. Smiling, Artemis caught site of the full moon. Tonight, it was a shining brightly, which helped to cheer her spirits- Artemis and her friends had always enjoyed running around down by the beach during the full moon. Once more, Salem made his presence known by jumping up on the windowsill to accompany her. He solemnly gazed out at the night sky, and Artemis noticed how the stars reflected off his brilliant blue eyes.
Artemis had always wanted blue eyes, she couldn't help but think. Hers were a light grey, and in her opinion, very boring. Come to think of it, she found everything about herself boring. She had elbow length, wavy brown hair which had golden streaks in it bleached from hours out in the sun, and a light splattering of freckles over her tan skin. Well, alright, she thought, the one good thing about my tan is that I have a good one that I didn't need to work a charm for, or concoct a potion to make. Other than that though, she found herself to be too tall (although in fact, she was only five and a half feet tall), and then there was her scar… Shivering, she ran a hand along her back where it was. The ugly thing ran the length of her back, in a jagged, harsh pattern and was about two and a half inches wide at its widest point.
A knock at the door sent Artemis out of her thinking. "Yes, come in," she answered, turning around.
The door opened, and her father stepped inside. Smiling, he asked, "I'm not bothering you, am I?"
Artemis noticed that he sounded a little hurt. He most likely thought that she was mad and blaming him for her drastic change in lifestyle. Well, technically speaking, her logical inner voice said, he really is. But it wasn't intentional! piped in her voice of reason. So true, Artemis thought. "No, of course not, Dad. What's up?" she asked, smiling.
"You just seemed a bit upset, that's all," he told her.
Opening her mouth to speak, Artemis was silenced by her father.
"No, no, let me put in my two cents about this. I understand how you feel completely, you know how my family moved from the East to the West Coast when I was in school. Granted, it was still the same country, and I was a bit younger then you, but I still know how it feels to be the new kid on the block. And I understand that you'll be upset, so I won't go into any lectures about it being a learning experience or anything," he joked.
Artemis broadened her grin a bit. Her father always knew how to make things better. "Can I talk now?" she asked.
Drake laughed. "Of course."
"I'm not mad at you at all, Dad. I know that this is what you've wanted for a long time, so I'm not going to go and rain on your parade at all," Artemis began. "It's just a bit of a shock, you know? Not seeing my friends again, moving to a new country, new school… not exactly an easy transition." She waited for her father to comment, but he only looked at her and nodded, not wanting to interrupt her. "And, even though I don't necessarily want to, I need to look on the bright side, right? I mean, it is England, and they have loads of good history about witches and wizards there. I'll be in my element!" She laughed.
"Well," Drake said, "I'm glad that you are seeing the bright side of things. Besides, you get to start new all over, right? That's a bit of a perker. And there's always the summer holidays to visit your friends," he reminded her. Artemis had completely forgotten about that, so it was a bit of a pleasant surprise to be reminded of something so obvious. "And," he said, walking over to join his daughter by her window, "I hear they have a great Astronomy class at Hogwarts, and I know how much you're into that. And the school's an old castle- saw a picture of it, and it looks absolutely fabulous. It has a lake right outside, and a forest as well. Although I hear that it's out of bounds," he added with a frown. "Speaking of Hogwarts, you should be receiving your letter any day now, so keep an eye out for the owl-post."
"Right, dad," Artemis replied with a nod. At least the school grounds themselves sounded interesting.
"Well, 'night Artemis," he said, squeezing her shoulder with a smile.
Looking up, Artemis replied back, "'Night," as her father left her room.
Glancing at the clock, she noticed that it was getting rather late, and Artemis has the sensation that she would be kept quite busy until next Friday. Going over to her wall calendar, she marked how many days were left until she had to leave for England. Five. That's not very long at all, she thought, getting undressed and putting her nightgown on. Climbing into bed, she was soon joined by a purring Salem, who curled up on top of her head, kneading his paws into her hair. A few moments later, Artemis went to sleep.
The next few days were full of packing, making arrangements for things to be brought over, cleaning the house, and receiving house calls from various relatives to wish the Xenoi family a fond farewell. Going through her room, Artemis found a lot of junk to throw out, many little treasures she thought had been lost such as photos, cards, and trinkets from her friends and close family. She had filled up a quite a few boxes with her possessions, and was just sitting on one pondering how it was all going to be sent over to England (she figured either by Muggle methods, or a shrinking spell) when Storm flew in thru the open window.
"Storm!" Artemis joyfully cried, standing up and crossing the room to relieve the bird of her burdens. Attached to one leg were three letters of almost equal length. She opened the one from Dakota and Cara first.
Artemis-
We're vacationing together down in Mexico, so we figured we could save Storm the effort of having two carry one more letter with her back up to California.
Neither of us can believe it! England? That's really cool that you're going, but really sucks that it's to live, not to vacation. Gods, what will we do without the sole voice of reason in the dorm? Unfortunately, we can't make it up in time to say good bye in person, which totally sucks, because we're going to miss you like hell. Don't worry, we're sending you a going away present, but through a different owl, so we think he may be arriving a bit later.
On a slightly lighter note, Mexico rocks! It would've been fun if you and Ruth could've come. We know how you love history (can't tell why…) and there's lots of good stuff here to keep you busy.
Well, keep in touch!
AFA,
Dakota Cara
PS- if you snag any cute English boys, you know you have to tell us! Or if you see any you don't like, send them our way! Pen-pals are always fun!
Artemis smiled. She had to admit, Dakota and Cara were rather shallow most of the time, only really caring about looks and boys, but they were definitely wonderful people to be around, and she would miss them. It was too bad she couldn't see them before she went.
Next, she read he letter from Hartwin.
Dearest Artemis,
I'm so sorry to hear that you'll be leaving for England soon. Don't worry though, Ruth and I plan on visiting you soon! And by the way, I can totally see through that "cute English boys" façade- you're definitely bummed to leave Alden here. Don't worry, I won't take him- besides, he's not my type!
Point is though, we're all going to miss you. I won't go on and on here, because I'll be seeing you in a few days, so we can actually talk. Until then-
Love, Hartwin
Artemis read it again, laughing out loud at the part about Alden, and glad to hear that she could be expecting visitors soon. Next and last was the letter from Ruth.
Dear Artemis,
Well, I'm not going to waste ink and parchment to tell you how much of a good friend you've been my entire life. You know you've been wonderful, so there's no point in boosting your ego any more. Just kidding! Really though, as you may already know, Hartwin and I are planning a visit so I can gush then. I will say this though- don't you dare fall out of touch!
Love always, your friend forever,
Ruth
Artemis was a bit surprised. Normally, Ruth was a funny, chatty girl, but this letter was very brief, and quite to the point. The part that excited her most though was the news about she and Hartwin coming over to visit. Hartwin she had known very well since her first year, since they both had all their classes together and were in the same house. It was nice to know that her two best buds cared and were coming over soon.
Carefully, she folded each letter in turn, and placed them in a box full of other letters and notes passed during class.
The next day, the day before she left, Ruth and Hartwin's promise came true. They pair came over around six o'clock, and found Artemis in her room dusting off empty shelves. Without announcing themselves, the pair just walked in.
"Jinkies, your room looks so weird without the posters and stuff on the walls," Ruth observed.
"It is kinda odd, isn't it?" added Hartwin, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Artemis raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for knocking, guys," she joked, taking a seat in her desk chair. Ruth leaned casually against the wall.
"Hey, we're all friends, right? Besides, I've seen you naked before, and Hartwin's gay, so he wouldn't care if we walked in on you naked," Ruth commented dryly.
Hartwin gave her an exasperated look, then turned to Artemis. "Your parents said that this is your last day in the States before you leave tomorrow."
Artemis sighed. "Yeah, it is."
"Are you done packing?" asked Ruth.
"Yes, as you can tell," Artemis waved a hand behind her in the room.
"Shall we give them to her then, Ruth?" Hartwin asked the redhead.
Smiling, Ruth nodded. "May as well." Reaching into the bag behind her, Ruth pulled out three wrapped gifts. "These are, obviously, for you," she said, walking over to sit on the bed with Hartwin. She patted the spot between them. Artemis got up and quietly sat down between them. Ruth had handed Hartwin a green package, and she herself had a blue one with silver stars on it, and had placed the elegantly wrapped gold one behind her. "Do you want to start, Hartwin, or should I?"
"I will, if you don't mind, Ruth," he said.
Artemis noticed that they were using somewhat strained voices.
"Of course not. Please begin."
"Right. Well, Artemis as I said in my letter, there were things I wanted to say to you in person then on a silly piece of parchment, so…" he began. "First off, as a friend, you totally rock and have always been there for me, from day one. Um, I hate bringing it up, but you've been a major support factor through the whole coming out process, so thanks a lot for that. I, and everyone else who knows you that you have to leave behind, is going to miss you a lot. Erm… you know I've never been good at these speech things…" he scratched the back of his head, making his short black hair stand up.
Artemis smiled. Although she would never say it aloud, it really didn't have to be a speech, and she really didn't feel like she had to be made that big of a fuss over at all. I mean, she thought, it wasn't as though she was off to her death by going to England.
"Anyways," Hartwin continued, gathering his stride once again, "Here's your present from me," he said, handing her the squishy looking green package. Solemnly, she took it from him, shooting Hartwin a quick smile. Ruth started laughing.
"Goodness, if we were any more serious, you'd think that Artemis was going to the morgue!" Ruth giggled, wrapping a friendly arm around Artemis' shoulders. "Lighten up you two!"
Artemis scowled. "Well you two are the ones that walked in, acting like I'm off to my doom in England, you know! Being all somber, and going, 'You tell her first.'" Grinning, she added, "The effort is completely appreciated though, you guys, thanks!" she laughed, and grabbed them both around the shoulders.
Artemis' laughter was infectious, and Hartwin and Ruth felt obliged to join in. After about a minute, he prodded her. "Go on and open the present!"
"Alright, alright…" carefully, Artemis unwrapped it. She always was meticulous about that type of thing- she never ripped presents open, even from a very young age. Pushing the paper aside, Artemis held up a beautiful black scarf and matching gloves. They were rich in color, and the scarf had little silvers stars and moon embroidered on it.
"Apparently, it snows in England during the winter, so I thought I'd best send you over well prepared," Hartwin told her, shrugging.
"Yeah, I think it does. Thanks Hartwin, they're gorgeous! And you know that I do love wearing scarves when it gets a bit chilly out," Artemis said, giving him a hug. She draped the scarf across her neck, and set the gloves behind her on the bed with the green paper.
Ruth handed Artemis the present from her. "Look, the paper almost matches your scarf!" she joked, laughing.
Artemis smiled, holding it up by the scarf. "Yeah, I guess it does!" As she began opening Ruth's present, she noticed that it was box-like in shape. With the paper off, she opened a wooden box to find a beautiful, brand new, silver collapsible telescope. Not being able to help it, Artemis gasped in joy. "Oh, Ruth! It's totally outta sight!" she cried, turning to look at her best friend. Ruth smiled, obviously looking very pleased with herself.
"So, you like it then?" she asked. "I remembered you telling me before how gold ones are usually too heavy, and too soft and bendable, so I made sure not to get you one of those."
"I'm surprised you listened," Artemis couldn't help herself from saying. "Normally, you just ignore me when I go off on tangents like that!" she laughed.
It was true though. Ruth was a Beater in Quidditch, and one of the most intense athletes Artemis had ever known. Ruth, although very funny, took training very seriously, often putting it as a higher priority then her school work, and even before her physical appearance, Artemis thought. Ruth had cut her hair, going from what was once elbow length, thick, and curly- to short, and what was now very straight and right under her ears. It still maintained the deep red though, of course.
Ruth shrugged at Artemis' comment. "I don't totally zone out when you go off, you know." Smiling, Artemis bent over and hugged her best friend. "We really are going to- goodness, Artemis dear, you have an owl beating against your window."
Looking up, Artemis noticed the large brown owl flapping its wings against her bedroom window, obviously wanting to get in.
"I got it," Hartwin said, already standing up. He crossed the room and opened the window, stepping back as he did so to allow the owl to zoom in. It perched atop Storm's vacant cage- she was out hunting- and stuck out a leg with an official looking letter on it. Carefully, Hartwin took it off and handed it to Artemis. "It's for you, obviously."
Glancing at the envelope, Artemis saw her name written in green ink in a very fancy looking fashion.
"Oh! Open it!" Ruth eagerly cried.
"Alright…" said Artemis, carefully slitting open the back of the envelope. Out came two pieces of paper. She read it silently as Hartwin and Ruth read over her shoulder:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
Of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Soc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards)
Dear Ms. Xenoi,
We are pleased to inform you that we have received your application for transfer, and that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Although you are a sixth year, this will most obviously be your first year at Hogwarts, and we hope to make it a smooth transition. The only requirement that you will need to make when you arrive on the grounds is to be properly sorted with the other first years, although you will not need to travel up to the castle with them.
Term begins on September 1.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Artemis look over the letter once again, briefly. "Well, the Headmaster certainly has the credentials," she finally said.
Ruth snorted. "Good observation, Artemis."
"Let's see the supply list," prompted Hartwin.
"Alright." Artemis pulled out a longer piece of paper, that had the same heading as the first, and a hastily scribbled note in the top corner:
Do not feel the need to buy new things if you already have the same type as is required. This is to make sure that you have the same equipment as everyone else.
-M. McGonagall
UNIFORM
Three sets of plain black robes (black)Another note was scribbled here: Just go to Madam Malkin's in Diagon Alley, and she'll set you up.
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar) One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 6), by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
Transfiguration for the Advanced by Vivian Jones
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
Advanced Techniques for the Defender by June Knight
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students also may bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
"Seems pretty standard," Ruth observed. "Nothing too out of the ordinary, so don't worry! They won't be expecting an outrageous amount of ability out of you!"
Artemis couldn't help but think though how embarrassing it would be to show up and be the worst in all of her classes. She made a mental note to brush up a bit before she left to go to Hogwarts. "Oh, what's this?" she pulled out a train ticket with golf leaf writing on it. "Platform 9 ¾? For the Hogwarts express? I guess this is how I get to school," she thought out loud.
Her friends shrugged. "Looks that way," said Hartwin,
"What about my other present?" Artemis suddenly asked out of nowhere.
Ruth snorted. Artemis scowled at her. Although she wouldn't tell Ruth it was very un-ladylike to make noises like that, it was a rather rude noise. "You don't get to open that until you're on the train to Hogwarts," Ruth informed Artemis. Hartwin nodded his agreement. Artemis shrugged. No both, it would at least give her something to do- goodness knows how long the ride would take.
The three spent the rest of the evening speculating what life would be like in England, and going over past adventures at W.C.A.M. At eight thirty, Moa came upstairs and had to shoo Ruth and Hartwin away. "We have an early Portkey tomorrow morning, and I want Artemis to get in some sleep before we have to go."
Bidding her friends a fond farewell, Artemis promised to write frequently, and to tell them all about England and her new life there. Eventually, she went to sleep, thinking about tomorrow's travels.