Chapter 2: Long Way From Home
The five of the soon-to-be Hogwarts students decided it would be a good idea to start packing as soon as possible. With that in their minds, they decided to head back up to the Icys Tower to go pack, and to get ready for the trip ahead of them. They had to give their Professors notice as soon as possible. None of them could wait to shove those lovely pieces of paper in their teachers' faces saying that they're free to go! Chris was in the boys' dorm frantically packing everything he could into his oversized trunk. He figured he could pack his clothes on top of his food storages, but it turned out bad when he realized he'd packed the bananas and puddings at the bottom.
Back in the girls' dorm, the four girls were packing their suitcases and trunks. They, however, were smart, and didn't pack food. Nakuru had packed all her clothes, and was out of her uniform. Instead, she was wearing her baby-blue Modrobes, a black tank top with "Nik-Nak" across the front in baby-blue lettering, and her black, mid-calf length combat boots.
Cora was over at her bed packing her clothes as well. She'd tossed aside her uniform, and was now wearing a not-too-fancy long, black skirt, a tight, black, "I AM CANADIAN" T-shirt with the red lettering, and black, high-heel, knee-length boots. She was hurriedly tossing out old things she didn't want for when she started her new life.
All of their parents were notified, but Gwen was just happy to leave. She, possessing greater magical powers, floated around as she threw stuff out, and stole some of Mira's clothes. Gwen, as had the others, had changed into her casual wear. She was now wearing her black jeans that went past her feet, and her red hoodie sweater. She, too, was excited about the trip to England.
Aimera was in the oversized walk-in closet, deciding what to toss, and what to keep. She was wearing her short, black baggy pants, white muscle shirt with black stars running up the side, along with her back tie with a giant star at the bottom. She kicked off her school boots, and slid into her comfy running shoes that had been ticked under her bed.
They were done. Everything was packed and ready to be sent away. As fort heir teachers, Prof Helyx had done the honours for them. The four girls met up with Chris in the Caf at supper, and began to talk anxiously. Tomorrow they would be leaving for England and a brand new life. Chris chowed down on his hamburger and guzzled his Mello Yello, whilst the girls picked off Mira's Double Xtra Poutine. They would hate to leave the school behind. They'd been there since they were ten. Now that they were sixteen, leaving would feel like losing a part of their heritage.their culture.their way of life.
"I am seriously going to miss this place," piped up Cora, who was munching away at her nachos and salsa.
Nakuru loaded her plate with another helping of dill pickles and fries with gravy. "Yeah.memories guys. Six years, and we're leaving because of me."
Gwen smacked her on the back of the head. "How DARE you blame yourself. It's not your fault! Okay!? We want to go!"
Aimera stopped eating her pretzels. "Nak, don't worry about it, 'kay?"
Nakuru smiled. "Okay guys, no more worries." They finished their meal, and decided it would be a good idea if they were to get to bed early. After all, it was nine o'clock by the time they were done eating. They were never sure why, but they always loved late meals.
The girls crawled up to the door to their dorm, and said goodnight to Chris who was sleepily heading into his dorm across the hall. The four of them plunked down on their beds and changed into their pyjamas, one at a time, in the changing closet. Their uniforms had been left lying on the floor, and their suitcases and trunks were neatly arranged in a giant heap beside the door. Cora had fallen asleep the moment she hit her bed, still in her day clothes. She had curled up comfortably beside her exotic cat, Jubill. Jubill was, by far, the strangest cat any of them had ever seen. She was a lavender shorthair with black paws, and pale grey eyes. She was very clam and never bothered anyone but Gwen's cat, Miggles. Miggles was a grey, black, and white shorthair tabby with bright blue eyes. Jubill would always hiss at Miggles if she went anywhere near Cora's bed.
Nakuru, already changed into her pyjamas, walked over to the window, and stood beside the perched black and silver barn owl. She scratched its head gently, then returned to her bed, and plunked down. She looked over at Mira. "You're sure you don't want to come along Mira?"
Mira smiled from behind her covers. "Yeah, I'm sure," she replied. "I've got it going for me here. I made the Quidditch team, my marks are higher than they've ever been, and I have new friends. I can't move mid semester again. It would be real hard on me."
Nakuru smiled as she got under her covers. "Alright. I'm just saying, though. You said something about your other friends transferring to Hogwarts. Wouldn't it be nice to--"
"It would be different. Things don't ever stay the same. You just go to Hogwarts and have fun, okay?" Mira turned over on her side and closed her eyes.
Nakuru sighed. "Alright, Mira." She made herself comfortable, then closed her eyes.
"Try not to forget the little people back here in good ol' Canada. And don't forget Meridian, 'kay? I know you'll try, but don't." Mira chuckled quietly.
Nakuru looked into the darkness where Mira's four-poster would be. "Promise."
Gwen sleepily hopped into her bed, and pulled the covers over her head. "None of us are going to forget anything."
Aimera giggled as she emerged from the changing closet. "Oh yes I will! I am definitely going to forget Prof Hedron! And Professor Ludwig! I can't wait to leave this place!"
Gwen laughed from beneath her layers of sheets. She was slowly drifting to sleep as Cora had. Cora had pulled her covers over her, and was sleeping comfortably. Aimera had slipped into her bed, and was humming "Naked" quietly to herself.
Nakuru had fallen asleep rather quickly, despite the day's events. With her mother gone, and her transfer to Hogwarts, things would never be the same for her. Things would never be the same for any of them.
Morning came soon enough, to the four girls' dismay. They were inexplicably tired for some reason, and did not want to get out of bed. The sun shone through their open windows, and cast its glow through the room. Aimera groaned as she sat up. She stood quietly, and hobbled over to Nakuru's bed. With a mischievous grin on her face, she plunked down on top of Nakuru, and made herself comfy. Nakuru jumped out of bed, and shrieked as if she'd been given an electric shock. "AIMS!" she gasped for air. "Don't ever do that again!"
Aimera was doubled over laughing. Cora sat up reluctantly as Gwen came over and pulled the blankets away. "C'mon Core!" she yelled as she flung the blankets across the room. "It's the day after yesterday and it's very sunny and hot out!"
Cora groaned. "It's too early to get up." She looked over at the alarm clock. It read 11:34 am. "Ah! We have to leave in an hour!" With this, she sprang out of bed, and fixed herself up, having left her clothes on from the previous night. She looked at Mira who was laughing from under her covers. "You think it's funny, do you?"
Mira looked up and smiled. "Yes, yes I do actually."
Nakuru sat up and laughed. "I don't know if you've forgotten, Mira.but you, unlike us, have classes today." She looked at Mira with an evil grin. "You missed Divination and Transfiguration."
Mira looked as if she'd seen a ghost. "Oh shit!" she bolted into the closet just as fast as Cora had. She came out, wearing the usual Meridian uniform. She grabbed her books, and ran for the door. "Have a nice trip, and see you's later! Byeeee!" With that, Mira disappeared down toward the Icys Common Room.
Gwen giggled. "She left in a hurry. Ludwig and Hedron will have her in detention cleaning the trophy cases for weeks!"
Aimera laughed along with Gwen, until Nakuru shoved her off the bed. She landed with a thud, and was just about to punch Nakuru square in the face, when a voice filled the room. "You four do realize we leave in half-an hour?"
The four looked towards the doorway, and spotted Chris with his arms folded. He was fully dressed in his usual getup, baggy black pants and a red superman T-shirt. He laughed at Nakuru and Aimera who were in the midst of a pillow fight, then sighed as he walked over to break it up. "C'mon guys, we have to go now. Get dressed."
Nakuru looked up at Chris. "What are you doing here, in the girls' room?" She smiled as she waited for an answer.
Chris shrugged. "I came to wake you's up."
Nakuru pulled the blankets up to her chin. "Well, that becomes a problem in one sense."
Chris raised his eyebrow. "And what problem may this be?" He smiled at Nakuru evilly.
"I sleep naked," replied Nakuru with a grin on her face.
Chris' jaw dropped as he backed away slowly, then stopped a few feet away from her bed. "Uhm.don't get up."
Nakuru had a broad smile across her face. "Nah, that's perfectly okay, Chris. I need to get dressed anyway." With this, she stood up, revealing her.
"Neon pink pyjamas!?"
The four girls laughed. "Get your hopes up, Chris?" asked Cora with a chuckle.
"No!" Chris' ears turned pink.
"Hey! Your ears match Nak's pyjamas!" exclaimed Gwen, who had changed back into her red hoodie sweater and extra, extra long black baggy jeans. She was laughing at Chris who had now taken a seat at Nak's desk.
"Oh shut up you!" he yelled from across the room and buried his face in his arms.
Aimera had gotten dressed, and was wearing her black baggy pants, white muscle shirt with the stars running up the side, and black tie again. She jumped onto her bed, and looked over at her grey screech owl. She smiled as she sat up and conjured herself a cookie. "Ah conjuring.one thing I must thank Professor Young for teaching us."
"Yeah, he's the best," added Chris. "Did you know that he used to teach Science at a muggle high-school in some place called Pembroke? It's in Ontario somewhere."
Nakuru's jaw dropped. "No way! That's awesome!" She walked into the changing closet, and emerged with her blue Modrobes and black tank top. She looked at the alarm clock. "Oh shit! It's 12:25!"
Cora gasped. "Let's go people!"
With this, the five, fully dressed, apparated to the Front Foyer. They arrived only seconds later, and spotted Prof Helyx. Nakuru rushed over. "We made it Seph!"
Professor Helyx smiled. "Alright. I have some things you should keep in mind." The five smiled and nodded. "Okay. The bus waiting outside will take you directly to Pembroke. It's a small town in Ontario. It's very nice. Now, from there, there'll be a portkey. It is set to eight thirty. You take that portkey, and it will take you directly to Hogsmeade. When you arrive in Hogsmeade, Hagrid will be waiting for you."
Gwen looked confused. "Okay.Hogsmeade is in England, right?"
"Yes, Gwen, it's a magical village," replied Persephone.
"Okay, now who's Hagrid?" asked Chris.
Professor Helyx smiled. "He is the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts. He is very amiable, despite his image."
Nakuru looked at Aimera, then to Professor Helyx. "Image, Seph?"
She smiled. "Yes, he's quite tall.trust me, you'll know him when you see him."
The five agreed, and were led outside. It was a very sunny and humid outside. Chris stretched and sighed. "Only at Meridian will a typical November day consist of humidity and sunshine." He chuckled to himself.
Nakuru bowed her head. "Oh yeah, I forgot.there's snow in the outside world." She looked over at the big bus awaiting them. "I'm going to miss the barrier."
Gwen ran over to the bus. "Yeah, no more year-round summer." She hopped onto the bus and rushed for the back seats. She was quickly followed by Aimera and Cora. Behind them were Chris and Nakuru. They took up the back two seats, and the one right in front of them.
Gwen, being very impatient, yelled to the driver. "Heyyou!"
"Yeah?" he yelled back. "Whadda yeh want? And how do you know my name?!"
Gwen looked confusedly at the driver. "We would like to leave now. and I don't know your name."
The driver turned around and smiled. "Yes yeh do. Me name's Heyyou. Glad to be yer driver today folks."
The five greeted him, then became rather quiet in their seats. Chris and Nakuru were in one seat, Cora and Gwen in another, and Aimera had drifted asleep already in her own seat. Nakuru and Chris were having a thumb-war, and Chris was losing again. Cora and Gwen were playing rock-paper-scissors, but kept getting the same things. Heyyou was nice enough to let them eat on the bus, because it was already past lunch, and the five of them were hungry, having not eaten breakfast. Their long trip had begun, and they were now en-route to Pembroke, Ontario, hometown of Professor Young.
The five of the soon-to-be Hogwarts students decided it would be a good idea to start packing as soon as possible. With that in their minds, they decided to head back up to the Icys Tower to go pack, and to get ready for the trip ahead of them. They had to give their Professors notice as soon as possible. None of them could wait to shove those lovely pieces of paper in their teachers' faces saying that they're free to go! Chris was in the boys' dorm frantically packing everything he could into his oversized trunk. He figured he could pack his clothes on top of his food storages, but it turned out bad when he realized he'd packed the bananas and puddings at the bottom.
Back in the girls' dorm, the four girls were packing their suitcases and trunks. They, however, were smart, and didn't pack food. Nakuru had packed all her clothes, and was out of her uniform. Instead, she was wearing her baby-blue Modrobes, a black tank top with "Nik-Nak" across the front in baby-blue lettering, and her black, mid-calf length combat boots.
Cora was over at her bed packing her clothes as well. She'd tossed aside her uniform, and was now wearing a not-too-fancy long, black skirt, a tight, black, "I AM CANADIAN" T-shirt with the red lettering, and black, high-heel, knee-length boots. She was hurriedly tossing out old things she didn't want for when she started her new life.
All of their parents were notified, but Gwen was just happy to leave. She, possessing greater magical powers, floated around as she threw stuff out, and stole some of Mira's clothes. Gwen, as had the others, had changed into her casual wear. She was now wearing her black jeans that went past her feet, and her red hoodie sweater. She, too, was excited about the trip to England.
Aimera was in the oversized walk-in closet, deciding what to toss, and what to keep. She was wearing her short, black baggy pants, white muscle shirt with black stars running up the side, along with her back tie with a giant star at the bottom. She kicked off her school boots, and slid into her comfy running shoes that had been ticked under her bed.
They were done. Everything was packed and ready to be sent away. As fort heir teachers, Prof Helyx had done the honours for them. The four girls met up with Chris in the Caf at supper, and began to talk anxiously. Tomorrow they would be leaving for England and a brand new life. Chris chowed down on his hamburger and guzzled his Mello Yello, whilst the girls picked off Mira's Double Xtra Poutine. They would hate to leave the school behind. They'd been there since they were ten. Now that they were sixteen, leaving would feel like losing a part of their heritage.their culture.their way of life.
"I am seriously going to miss this place," piped up Cora, who was munching away at her nachos and salsa.
Nakuru loaded her plate with another helping of dill pickles and fries with gravy. "Yeah.memories guys. Six years, and we're leaving because of me."
Gwen smacked her on the back of the head. "How DARE you blame yourself. It's not your fault! Okay!? We want to go!"
Aimera stopped eating her pretzels. "Nak, don't worry about it, 'kay?"
Nakuru smiled. "Okay guys, no more worries." They finished their meal, and decided it would be a good idea if they were to get to bed early. After all, it was nine o'clock by the time they were done eating. They were never sure why, but they always loved late meals.
The girls crawled up to the door to their dorm, and said goodnight to Chris who was sleepily heading into his dorm across the hall. The four of them plunked down on their beds and changed into their pyjamas, one at a time, in the changing closet. Their uniforms had been left lying on the floor, and their suitcases and trunks were neatly arranged in a giant heap beside the door. Cora had fallen asleep the moment she hit her bed, still in her day clothes. She had curled up comfortably beside her exotic cat, Jubill. Jubill was, by far, the strangest cat any of them had ever seen. She was a lavender shorthair with black paws, and pale grey eyes. She was very clam and never bothered anyone but Gwen's cat, Miggles. Miggles was a grey, black, and white shorthair tabby with bright blue eyes. Jubill would always hiss at Miggles if she went anywhere near Cora's bed.
Nakuru, already changed into her pyjamas, walked over to the window, and stood beside the perched black and silver barn owl. She scratched its head gently, then returned to her bed, and plunked down. She looked over at Mira. "You're sure you don't want to come along Mira?"
Mira smiled from behind her covers. "Yeah, I'm sure," she replied. "I've got it going for me here. I made the Quidditch team, my marks are higher than they've ever been, and I have new friends. I can't move mid semester again. It would be real hard on me."
Nakuru smiled as she got under her covers. "Alright. I'm just saying, though. You said something about your other friends transferring to Hogwarts. Wouldn't it be nice to--"
"It would be different. Things don't ever stay the same. You just go to Hogwarts and have fun, okay?" Mira turned over on her side and closed her eyes.
Nakuru sighed. "Alright, Mira." She made herself comfortable, then closed her eyes.
"Try not to forget the little people back here in good ol' Canada. And don't forget Meridian, 'kay? I know you'll try, but don't." Mira chuckled quietly.
Nakuru looked into the darkness where Mira's four-poster would be. "Promise."
Gwen sleepily hopped into her bed, and pulled the covers over her head. "None of us are going to forget anything."
Aimera giggled as she emerged from the changing closet. "Oh yes I will! I am definitely going to forget Prof Hedron! And Professor Ludwig! I can't wait to leave this place!"
Gwen laughed from beneath her layers of sheets. She was slowly drifting to sleep as Cora had. Cora had pulled her covers over her, and was sleeping comfortably. Aimera had slipped into her bed, and was humming "Naked" quietly to herself.
Nakuru had fallen asleep rather quickly, despite the day's events. With her mother gone, and her transfer to Hogwarts, things would never be the same for her. Things would never be the same for any of them.
Morning came soon enough, to the four girls' dismay. They were inexplicably tired for some reason, and did not want to get out of bed. The sun shone through their open windows, and cast its glow through the room. Aimera groaned as she sat up. She stood quietly, and hobbled over to Nakuru's bed. With a mischievous grin on her face, she plunked down on top of Nakuru, and made herself comfy. Nakuru jumped out of bed, and shrieked as if she'd been given an electric shock. "AIMS!" she gasped for air. "Don't ever do that again!"
Aimera was doubled over laughing. Cora sat up reluctantly as Gwen came over and pulled the blankets away. "C'mon Core!" she yelled as she flung the blankets across the room. "It's the day after yesterday and it's very sunny and hot out!"
Cora groaned. "It's too early to get up." She looked over at the alarm clock. It read 11:34 am. "Ah! We have to leave in an hour!" With this, she sprang out of bed, and fixed herself up, having left her clothes on from the previous night. She looked at Mira who was laughing from under her covers. "You think it's funny, do you?"
Mira looked up and smiled. "Yes, yes I do actually."
Nakuru sat up and laughed. "I don't know if you've forgotten, Mira.but you, unlike us, have classes today." She looked at Mira with an evil grin. "You missed Divination and Transfiguration."
Mira looked as if she'd seen a ghost. "Oh shit!" she bolted into the closet just as fast as Cora had. She came out, wearing the usual Meridian uniform. She grabbed her books, and ran for the door. "Have a nice trip, and see you's later! Byeeee!" With that, Mira disappeared down toward the Icys Common Room.
Gwen giggled. "She left in a hurry. Ludwig and Hedron will have her in detention cleaning the trophy cases for weeks!"
Aimera laughed along with Gwen, until Nakuru shoved her off the bed. She landed with a thud, and was just about to punch Nakuru square in the face, when a voice filled the room. "You four do realize we leave in half-an hour?"
The four looked towards the doorway, and spotted Chris with his arms folded. He was fully dressed in his usual getup, baggy black pants and a red superman T-shirt. He laughed at Nakuru and Aimera who were in the midst of a pillow fight, then sighed as he walked over to break it up. "C'mon guys, we have to go now. Get dressed."
Nakuru looked up at Chris. "What are you doing here, in the girls' room?" She smiled as she waited for an answer.
Chris shrugged. "I came to wake you's up."
Nakuru pulled the blankets up to her chin. "Well, that becomes a problem in one sense."
Chris raised his eyebrow. "And what problem may this be?" He smiled at Nakuru evilly.
"I sleep naked," replied Nakuru with a grin on her face.
Chris' jaw dropped as he backed away slowly, then stopped a few feet away from her bed. "Uhm.don't get up."
Nakuru had a broad smile across her face. "Nah, that's perfectly okay, Chris. I need to get dressed anyway." With this, she stood up, revealing her.
"Neon pink pyjamas!?"
The four girls laughed. "Get your hopes up, Chris?" asked Cora with a chuckle.
"No!" Chris' ears turned pink.
"Hey! Your ears match Nak's pyjamas!" exclaimed Gwen, who had changed back into her red hoodie sweater and extra, extra long black baggy jeans. She was laughing at Chris who had now taken a seat at Nak's desk.
"Oh shut up you!" he yelled from across the room and buried his face in his arms.
Aimera had gotten dressed, and was wearing her black baggy pants, white muscle shirt with the stars running up the side, and black tie again. She jumped onto her bed, and looked over at her grey screech owl. She smiled as she sat up and conjured herself a cookie. "Ah conjuring.one thing I must thank Professor Young for teaching us."
"Yeah, he's the best," added Chris. "Did you know that he used to teach Science at a muggle high-school in some place called Pembroke? It's in Ontario somewhere."
Nakuru's jaw dropped. "No way! That's awesome!" She walked into the changing closet, and emerged with her blue Modrobes and black tank top. She looked at the alarm clock. "Oh shit! It's 12:25!"
Cora gasped. "Let's go people!"
With this, the five, fully dressed, apparated to the Front Foyer. They arrived only seconds later, and spotted Prof Helyx. Nakuru rushed over. "We made it Seph!"
Professor Helyx smiled. "Alright. I have some things you should keep in mind." The five smiled and nodded. "Okay. The bus waiting outside will take you directly to Pembroke. It's a small town in Ontario. It's very nice. Now, from there, there'll be a portkey. It is set to eight thirty. You take that portkey, and it will take you directly to Hogsmeade. When you arrive in Hogsmeade, Hagrid will be waiting for you."
Gwen looked confused. "Okay.Hogsmeade is in England, right?"
"Yes, Gwen, it's a magical village," replied Persephone.
"Okay, now who's Hagrid?" asked Chris.
Professor Helyx smiled. "He is the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts. He is very amiable, despite his image."
Nakuru looked at Aimera, then to Professor Helyx. "Image, Seph?"
She smiled. "Yes, he's quite tall.trust me, you'll know him when you see him."
The five agreed, and were led outside. It was a very sunny and humid outside. Chris stretched and sighed. "Only at Meridian will a typical November day consist of humidity and sunshine." He chuckled to himself.
Nakuru bowed her head. "Oh yeah, I forgot.there's snow in the outside world." She looked over at the big bus awaiting them. "I'm going to miss the barrier."
Gwen ran over to the bus. "Yeah, no more year-round summer." She hopped onto the bus and rushed for the back seats. She was quickly followed by Aimera and Cora. Behind them were Chris and Nakuru. They took up the back two seats, and the one right in front of them.
Gwen, being very impatient, yelled to the driver. "Heyyou!"
"Yeah?" he yelled back. "Whadda yeh want? And how do you know my name?!"
Gwen looked confusedly at the driver. "We would like to leave now. and I don't know your name."
The driver turned around and smiled. "Yes yeh do. Me name's Heyyou. Glad to be yer driver today folks."
The five greeted him, then became rather quiet in their seats. Chris and Nakuru were in one seat, Cora and Gwen in another, and Aimera had drifted asleep already in her own seat. Nakuru and Chris were having a thumb-war, and Chris was losing again. Cora and Gwen were playing rock-paper-scissors, but kept getting the same things. Heyyou was nice enough to let them eat on the bus, because it was already past lunch, and the five of them were hungry, having not eaten breakfast. Their long trip had begun, and they were now en-route to Pembroke, Ontario, hometown of Professor Young.