By Luna and Lemming
Luna galloped through the dark forest. She felt all the stress that had built up during the day flow out of her as if she were being drained. Tomorrow, her life would change forever.
As she began to grow tired, she stopped at a pool of cool water to take a drink. While she sipped, she gazed at her reflection. Her eyes were shining--the run had been good for her. Her silver coat and her fair, shaggy mane were damp with sweat. She had not run in a long time.
Suddenly, there was a rustling in the brush. The sound disrupted the peace of the forest and startled Luna. She was on her guard--if they were hunters, she would be ready for them. Then, she relaxed. It was only a family of rabbits who had come to the pool for a drink. Calm down, she told herself. You're way too paranoid.
She nodded at the family by way of evening greeting and was on her way. It was late, and her mother would be worried. It was time for the unicorn to go home.
Stella Minor woke up grumpy and tired. As she stretched, she reminded herself that in a few hours, she would be in England, settling into her new home and getting ready for her first day at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She had heard great things about the school, but nothing could possibly replace the school where all her friends were, the school her father's family had attended for generations. Nothing could replace being with her sister, who had decided to stay in Australia. It was out of her hands, though. Her mother wanted to return to England, the place where she had grown up, and Stella did not blame her.
Stella's things were packed and ready to go. The Melbourne Knight Bus was scheduled to arrive in an hour's time.
Stella stumbled rather blindly about her room, collecting the clothes she had laid out the night before. She was not a morning person. She gently nudged Ice and Coal, her two kittens, and placed a saucer of fresh milk on her desk. They did not look pleased that she had disassembled her room. "I know how you feel," she said.
After a quick shower, Stella padded downstairs to the kitchen. Her sister, Quinn, was already there, getting ready for work. She was pouring herself coffee when Stella entered.
"You're up early," Quinn remarked as Stella slumped into a chair.
"Well, I am leaving in a half an hour," Stella yawned.
"It doesn't seem natural for you to be up before 11 o'clock is all," Quinn said, noting that Stella's silvery hair was quite disheveled. "You usually sleep so--oh!"
Stella, overcome with tiredness, had fallen face forward into her oatmeal.
Quinn laughed. "Maybe you'd better try to get to sleep earlier from now on."
A half an hour later, Stella and Quinn had put aside their sisterly differences.
"I'll miss you," Quinn whispered as they hugged.
"I'll write you every single day, I promise!" Stella assured her. She was determined not to cry.
Their mother stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Stella's shoulder. It was time to board the Knight Bus.