Chapter 1
"I can't believe you! Why don't I get go?"
"Because you are only 14 and you haven't finished your schooling, Christina."
I hadn't been given much opportunity to do "great" things, like my sister Beth; who had gone to Greece, Bermuda, and France; graduated top of the class at our school; and had all of the guys at the school eating out of the palm of the palm of her hand. I, on the other hand, had never been out of North America; although I had been on the honour role, was not at the TOP; and I had never had a boyfriend.
But as soon as I get the chance to go somewhere even better than Greece, Bermuda, or even France, my parents forbid me to go! But, of course, Beth was going. I was so close to going to Antarctica, I could almost smell it, when my parents decide I'm too young! "Why can't I study in Antarctica? Wouldn't it be better because there would be no Muggles around?"
I guess I didn't mention I'm a witch. Or that I live in the country least populated by magical people, Canada.
"Absolutely not" Mother answered. I could tell that was it. She'd put on the shrill voice.
"Then where will I live for the next year?" I asked.
"Well we wanted you to go to a boarding school, and when your Aunt Mariah moved to England, Hogwart's- You do know Hogwart's don't you?" Dad asked. I nodded in recognition.
"Hogwart's sent us a letter to say that you would be accepted, should you move to England…" Dad said.
"Wait…" I said. "Does that mean you want me to move to England?" This wasn't fair at all! It was bad enough they were leaving me out of the trip to Antarctica, now they were sending me to live with Aunt Mariah and my cousin Kiera!
She and were the same age, but that was all we had in common. I had, as my friend Paige liked to call, "black coffee" coloured hair, and plain hazel eyes that needed glasses. Kiera was described by Paige as a "blonde, blue-eyed babe". Kiera and Aunt Mariah had moved when we were 10, but she had visited every summer since; and every summer since she managed to make boy I'd fallen for fall for her. The thing was, she didn't know she was dating the guys I liked, and I guess that was another thing we had in common (our taste in guys that is, not dating the guys I liked.) She also thought we were best friends.
What she loved I usually couldn't stand. For example, when we were 9, she loved frills and pink dresses. I liked blue jeans, and the closest thing to a girly thing I ever put on was a purple t-shirt. Starting at age 13, she loved shirts that were extremely low, and skirts that were extremely short. Starting at that same age, I still liked blue jeans, and didn't like my shirts going too low. She told me she loved Hogwarts, so I wasn't looking forward to it.
"We thought you would love to go to England, you're always saying how Beth get's to go to exciting places and you don't, so you get to go to England!" Mother said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
"Look on the bright side," Beth said "You're going to one of the best schools in the world! I mean, Harry Potter went there!"
"That is exactly why we are sending you there." Mother said.
So it was official. I was going to Hogwart's in a month. I had less than 2 weeks to pack and say goodbye to my friends. Then, I had to spend the other 2 weeks getting supplies for school. I would have to make all new friends. Mother was convinced that Kiera would help me find friends, and get settled in the school, but I knew better. Paige tried to convince me that Kiera being there was actually a good thing.
"The people in this school are terrorized by her 24/7!" She said. "You'll have a better chance of getting a boyfriend! They won't know you're related to Kiera, and if they do they'll be so amazed that you're nothing like her, that they'll like you immediately!"
"If you're so excited, why don't you go?" I told her miserably.
"You need to stop being so down about it! You'll have so much fun! You are so lucky"
"I don't care how lucky I am! I DON'T WANNA GO!" I yelled.
"You don't have to yell" Paige mumbled.
I knew she was just trying to be supportive, but I was as bummed as ever.
The only things I could bring to Hogwart's were: my wand (willow, 10 inches, dragon heartstring), my Muggle clothes, a few selected novels, and my great grandmother's swan quill. I had to buy all my supplies in London. I had to be on the plane in 2 days. That day was coming too soon, too fast. If only I really knew what to expect.
