Chapter 3: A Line To Exit

As March wisped by, August soon came. Summer was gone and Star was soon to begin her studies at her new school. This meant she had to go school shopping. Alex pulled some strings on base and was introduced to a British soldier who had just graduated a few years prier from Hogwarts. He agreed to help them out. And so they went to a place called Diagon Alley.

The soldier, who's name was Bradley, led Alex, Star, and Tsu to the back of the Leaky Cauldron, which Tsu found all too exciting and interesting, and tapped a few bricks with a long ebony black thing he said was his wand. To their astonishment, the bricks folded away to reveal a busy, bustling alley filled with stores, stands, people, and fantastic swishy clothing. Again, Tsu was bursting with excitement.

First they were led to Gringotts, where they exchanged English notes for wizarding coins, and then led about purchasing all the things Star would need to fulfill her year at the strange school. Robes, a cauldron, books, and a wand. This was, of course, a most interesting experience. Mr. Ollivander, the old man who ran the shop, was practically skipping about the place looking for the proper wand. Much of his store was demolished before they finally settled on a 12 inch, polished walnut containing the scales off a kappa.

Then Alex decided to spoil her. He took her into the owlrey and bought her a foot and a half tall grey and black, red-eyed owl. His name, Star decided, was Isshi. This earned her a lovely amount of affection and joy from Tsu.

Once their shopping was done, they decided to stop in at an ice cream shop to sample some wizarding yummies. While they were there Star learned that she was starting in at this school very, very late. Most Hogwarts students started at age 11, but she was almost 17. She would be going into the 7 year school as a 5th year. This made her worry, and no amount of coddling or comfort from Alex or Tsu made her feel any better. Her usual paranoid set in and, as she was always sure when she started new things, was convinced she would flunk out of the school within a few weeks.

Their guide, noticing how dejected and nervous everyone was becoming, decided to treat them all to a pile of chocolate frogs. When the Star, Tsu, and Alex discovered that the little chocolates hopped once unpackaged, they quickly created a new game. It was something like "cat and mouse" only with people and candy. They had no idea playing with their food could be so fun...

When the day began to move closer to dusk the crowds of people thinned to only a few window shoppers. Bradley pointed out the sporting goods store and Alex insisted on going in for a look.

Now, if this had been any normal shopping center, Star would have protested heavily to visiting a sports store for, you see, Star abhorred athleticism. She hated sports, and they in turn hated her. But, because this was no ordinary sports store, she agreed to go inside.

She wandered around for awhile, looking at things with mild interest. Even magical sports seemed sort of dull...at least, that's what she thought until she came to the large display of racing brooms. She gave a small snort of laughter and pulled Tsu over to take a look at the brooms. Tsu was all squeals and giggles as she ran her hands along the sleek handles, commenting on how lovely they were.

"Star," she said, holding up one of the brooms, "wouldn't it be fun to have one of these?"

Star nodded, trying her very hardest not to fall into the absolute desire and need for a broom. But try as she might, the brooms were just too awesome for her. As it started getting dark, Bradley, Tsu, and Alex practically had to drag her out of the store.

As they made their way back toward the Leaky Cauldron, Tsu made a show of exclaiming about something she'd left back at the ice cream place. She took off, promising to be back soon. A half hour later she returned.

"What did you forget?" Star asked once they were in the car.

"Oh nothing, it's not important. Turned out to be in my pocket the whole time."

Star raised a brow at her, but said nothing.

And so the event was forgotten and they went on with their lives.

Until September 1st. Star stared at her ticket. Platform 9 ¾?! WTF?! There was no such thing...Unfortunately, Alex had to leave for work and couldn't wait on the platform until the train got there, which, sadder still, meant Tsu couldn't wait with Star, either. Tsu pulled Star away from the crowds of people.

"You have a good time, okay?" Star nodded. "And don't worry! You'll be fine, even without me..." At these words, Tsu got a bit choked up. Her eyes became a little misty, but she put on a smile, anyway. "I'll miss you." Star could say anything. What do you say in a situation like this? Star didn't know, she'd never been any good at these sorts of things. "The year will be over sooner than you think and then we'll have all summer together." Tsu looked away from Star and bent to stroke Isshi through his cage. Her hair fell in her face; a sure sign that she didn't want Star to see her unhappy. Star reached out and took Tsu's hand.

"I love you, Tatsuya."

Tsu looked up into the faintly smiling face above her and accepted her kiss good bye.