Magical Object & Their Uses Lesson: A portkey, as you should know, is an inanimate object that is enchanted with the Portus spell, which will then render the object able to transport anyone who touches it, to a specific location.

Your Task: Write about travel – namely, a character traveling to any destination other than the one they live/work/study at. This could be a holiday, or any other means you see fit.


An Unfamiliar Place


She relishes the last moments in the only world she ever known. Fully aware of what she is giving up, she uses every spell (including those she has invented), to carefully pack her school trunk. She is thankful that her parents had bought her a large trunk (there's only so much enlargement charms can do) with multiple compartments and a built in featherweight charm when she received her Hogwarts letter on her eleventh birthday. With the thought of her parents, there's a tight feeling in her chest, a twisting sensation in her stomach. She doesn't want to leave them behind, but she rather live as a muggle than to live the life they want her to live.

The plan she has concocted over a span of three years should work, but she will not be sure until she leaves the Hogwarts Express. Instead of taking the Floo network home, she will be walking into Muggle London into her new life. The only the pieces of her past she will take with her is what she has packed and her wand. Despite her apprehension, she is resolute to follow through. She is more afraid of losing herself in a familiar society she never fitted in versus attempting to fit in a world she knows almost nothing about. The thought of putting what she has learned about the muggle world from the books she has read in the Hogwarts Muggle Studies section to practical use is slightly frightening, but wanting to meet the challenge to assimilate herself in the muggle world overshadow her doubt.

She looks out of the window until Hogsmeade is out of view and she doesn't realize she is crying until she feels dampness around her collar. Wiping her face and performing a Notice-Me-Not charm, she leaves the compartment she shares with no one in order to get some wizarding candies.

I will miss the Chocolate Frogs and Sugar Quills, she thinks to herself.

The Hogwarts Express finally stops in London, and the students, excited for the start of their summer vacation, leave the train with excited chatter. She steps onto Platform 9 ¾ for what she feels will be the last time and feels a wash of magic flow through her when both feet hit the platform. The enchantment that has taken affect is a ceremonial one, showing that a student has completed their studies at Hogwarts. It surprises her, for the spell is usually performed by a parent or guardian. She isn't expecting her mother or her father to meet her on the platform and therefore, she panics. She wants to see for the result of the spell in one of the mirrors nearby, but knows if she does so, she might not have another opportunity to escape. Before she can make a decision, it is made for her when her mother approaches her.

"Eileen . . . .,"


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She hears her mother's voice and looks into the eyes of Elisabetta Prince nee d`Arc. There's sadness in her mother's eyes, and Eileen realizes that her mother knows of her plans. Yet before she can say anything in explanation, she's engulfed in a tight hug, her mother ignoring the unspoken pureblood protocol about public displays of affection.

"I couldn't let you leave without saying good-bye," Elisabetta tells her daughter. Eileen wants to cry once she hears those words, but she does not want to draw more attention than they already have by embracing in public.

"Mims," Elisabetta calls and in response, a house elf appears with a covered object. Once the cloth is removed, Eileen sees an ornate, free standing, full-length mirror. Eileen seeks to see her reflection in the mirror, but her mother steps in front of her, blocking her view.

"You have been found worthy by the Founders and Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft to wield magic. Because of your deeds, you have been judged and deemed worthy by the d`Arc and Prince families. Lady Magic herself bestows her blessings upon you. You are equipped with the necessary knowledge needed to contribute to magical society. Behold yourself, Eileen Adriana Prince."

Elisabetta steps away and Eileen views her reflection in the mirror and cannot believe what she sees. The girl, no, the young woman is no longer in her school robes. She's dressed in brand new emerald green dress robe that has very detailed stitching in silver threads. Her long dark hair cascades in soft waves and nestled in the curls –

"Mother, am I wearing one of the d`Arc's circlets?"

"It is yours by birthright," Elisabetta replies.

The magic fades and Eileen is once again in her school uniform and it is only then when Eileen notices that they are being watched. Those watching the moment between mother and daughter know they have witnessed something important, something more than the ceremonial completion enchantment. However, pure-blood manners prevail and no one comments or asks questions. The tight sensation Eileen felt earlier returns. Knowing what her daughter is feeling, Elisabetta places her hand over her daughter's heart.

"I know what you're going to do, and I will not stop you. I want you to come home, but that will not make you happy. All of my life, your happiness has been mine and if you have to seek it where I cannot follow, I understand. I love you, Eileen."

Eileen hugs her mother, the action expressing all she cannot say. As the two separate, Elisabetta casts a Notice-Me-Not charm so her daughter can leave the platform discreetly.

"I love you too, Mother," Eileen says. She walks away from all that she ever known towards the barrier that divides Platform 9 ¾ from an unfamiliar place. Unheard by Eileen, her mother whispers a blessing to her child.

"May the spirits of your forefathers guide you; let the spirits of your foremothers bring you home."