Title: USMA: The United States Magical Academy
Author: Ginny Powell
Rating: G
Feedback: Of course!
Disclaimer: I have absolutely no claim on anything from or about the Harry Potter universe. But then, he's not even in this story!
Summary: There must be an American school for the magically
inclined – what might it be like?
Thanks: To whoever it was that suggested Roswell would be
the obvious place for an American school of magic (e-mail me, so I can credit
you properly); to my seven-year-old daughter, who thought up the portkey system
and dearly wants to go to the USMA; and, of course, to Jo for coming up with
such a fascinating universe that I can't help but embellish in my own way.
Chapter 3 – Summer's End
It was the first day of school, and Georgia was so excited she could hardly sit still in her bus seat. As McBlair Middle School drew ever closer, she found herself composing an email to send her Grandma when she got home.
Grandma had said she wanted to hear all about it. When Georgia and her parents had returned from Roswell and the orientation, Grandma had been unexpectedly there waiting for them. She seemed to know all about where they'd been, which had been surprising until she dropped another bomb: she was a witch. She explained her decision to live as a Muggle when she'd fallen in love with Grandad, but had always hoped that Georgia's mother would turn out magical. When that hadn't happened, she'd pinned her hopes on Georgia, and now she was thrilled.Georgia remembered with a smile what Grandma had said when she asked why the older woman hadn't mentioned this earlier."And have you all thinking I had Alzheimer's?"Now they had a lot more to talk about than bingo and orchids.The bus arrived at the middle school, and Georgia got off with the other kids. She usually hated the first day of school – the jostling for desks, the making (or in her case not making) of new friends. But this time she couldn't keep the smile off her face. She let the stream of kids carry her along until she reached the girls' bathroom. She ducked inside.First stall, second stall – ah, there it was, on the door to the third stall. "Out of order." Looking around to make sure she wasn't being watched, Georgia took a long stick out of her backpack: her very own wand. She smiled at it, then pointed it at the sealed door. "Alohomora," she whispered. She'd been practicing. The door swung open.Inside the door, she refastened it shut, then turned to the toilet. Above it was what looked like an air vent, but it swung open at her touch. Inside was a familiar paperweight. Georgia glanced down at her watch, then reached into the small recess and touched to clear weight.A minute later, she was looking up the steps of the USMA classroom building. Other students kept popping into existence all over the quad. Georgia was pleased to see a familiar face materialize nearby."Hey, Margie!" she called, waving. Margie waved back and hurried over. "I'm glad your parents let you come, too," Georgia continued happily."Well, actually," Margie replied, her eyes evading Georgia's, "they didn't.""Huh?"Margie smiled conspiratorially. "They said no, but that guy came back and told me he could work it so I could go anyway, and they wouldn't know." She giggled. "He did something to them with his wand. They don't even remember being here. They think I'm at St. Bart's!"Georgia goggled at her new friend in disbelief. But she was so glad Margie was here, she said nothing."Your attention please!" an authoritative voice sounded, making all conversation cease as all eyes turned to the steps. A tall, older woman stood there. "I am Mrs. McMichael, your vice-principal. If you will follow me, you will be assessed and placed into the appropriate 'learning community'. This way!"Margie and Georgia looked at each other, spontaneously taking each other's hand for support. Then they headed up the stairs and into their new life.