A Young Stranger to an Old but New World.

[nicole]

Nicole sat with sister Mary Claire at the bus station in the middle of London, the nun was gripping her hand tightly. “Now dear, I know you are nervous about all this. I am too. You are different, I never thought I would meet a…a…,” but the sister was unable to finish her sentence. “You are a wonderful little girl Nicole, don’t let anyone change that. Okay?” Nicole stared at Sister Mary Claire, she had taken care of her all of her life, except when she was at Mrs. Mort’s home. Mary Claire was a fairly young nun by comparison to the others and often took special attention to Nicole. “I won’t,” Nicole said in her quiet little voice that she often got when she was nervous. The sister smiled at her comfortingly, “I know you won’t,” she sighed deeply. Mary Claire often thought she would have adopted Nicole if she had not made her promise to God, a vow she took very seriously. It must have looked strange to passers-by, a nun and a small child sitting on a bench at a bus station for the last hour, not moving. “I know they said they would pick you up at eleven, I am sorry I brought you down here so early. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” A man approached, Sister Mary Claire sat up straight, ‘Was this the person coming for Nicole?” no, it wasn’t, he just walked on by.

“Sister are you going to come with me?” Nicole asked, Mary Claire who smiled at her as best she could, “No dear. I can’t. I’m not like you, so I can’t go where you’re going. But you can write me as much as you like. I promise I will write back.” Nicole smiled, a small smile, she had hoped that the sister would come with her, at least to the school itself. Nicole’s hair was done in two ponytails on either side of her head, she wore a red shirt and long blue jeans with white sneakers. Her luggage was on the floor in front of her and her backpack was in her lap. She was scared, and nervous about this trip, it was the start of a new part of her life and she wanted her only friend in the world, who she had left, to come with her, but she had just said she couldn’t. “Sister Mary Claire?” came the pleasant voice of a woman. Both Nicole and the sister looked up. There stood a tall blonde woman with startling blue eyes, wearing a long black cloak. “Yes,” Sister Mary Claire was able to mutter. “I am Constance Fidget. The Ministry sent me to collect Nicole Kristensen.” She looked at Nicole who was staring at her. “You must be Nicole. You can call me Constance,” she held out her hand to her and Nicole took it. She didn’t know why but Nicole felt comfortable around this strange woman.

Constance stood, “Sister. I think we best be going. It is getting late and I would like to get Nicole settled in as soon as possible.” Sister Mary Claire stood, Nicole’s hand was still in hers and she stood with her. She looked down at Nicole, “I guess this is where we say goodbye. I’ll miss you Nicole. Now don’t forget what I told you.” Nicole nodded her head in acknowledgment. Mary Claire gave Nicole’s hand to Constance, “Please take good care of her. She is a very special child.” Constance smiled, “I know she is. I have been informed of all the particulars. I will take very good care or Nicole for you.” She looked at Nicole, “Is there anything you want to say before we go?” Nicole looked at Sister Mary Claire, who had tears in her eyes, “When will I see you again?” this question was a difficult one, because Mary Claire knew that Nicole would not be coming back. Arrangements had been made with the school for Nicole to live there during the holidays as well as when school was in session, “I…you won’t see me for a long time sweetie. You will live at your school and I will be at the orphanage, but you will always be in my prayers.” Nicole’s face fell and she said nothing more. Constance took her luggage and the two walked off to the bus. Sister Mary Claire watched them till the bus left eh terminal.

The bus took Nicole and Constance to a small building next to a record store, “Here we are. This is the Leaky Cauldron Nicole, a place were wizards and witches like you and me hang out.” Nicole stared at the sign as the got off the bus. They entered the pub, it was a little dark but she could see the people sitting around talking, drinking and eating. Constance took her to the bar, “All ready there Tom,” she said to the bartender. “Oh the room is all ready Miss Fidget. Number twelve, up those stairs and to the right. Can’t miss it.” Constance smiled at Tom and took the key from him, “This is Nicole Kristensen, she will be attending Hogwarts from this year,” she told Tom, who took Nicole’s hand . “Come on Nicole,” Constance said and led her to her room. They put away a few of Nicole’s things, she would be staying in the Leaky Cauldron till it was time to take the Hogwarts Express at the beginning of September. “I know this is all very strange to you Nicole. I understand, so I think getting the shock out of the way early is the best. I am going to take you into Diagon Alley to get your school supplies. Okay?” Nicole nodded. “I don’t bite dear. You can talk to me.” This made Nicole smile, “That’s better,” said Constance.

The two went back down stairs and out the back, Constance pulled out her wand, and Nicole stared at her as she tapped the brick wall and it opened up into an entirely new street. “This is Diagon Alley,” Constance said with some theatrics. Nicole’s eyes could not believe what they were seeing. The people looked and dressed so strangely, but for some reason she was scared anymore. “I think out first stop will be Ollivander’s for your wand.” “My wand?” asked Nicole shyly. “I don’t know how to use one.” Constance smiled, “That’s alright dear, they’ll teach you at school.” She then led Nicole to the store with the sign reading, “Ollivander’s Makers of Wands since 832 BC” or something like that, Nicole was too much in awe to really read the sign. Inside there were a few other children waiting around, and an old man with strange silver eyes who seemed to be the owner, “Good morning Ollivander. I see you’re busy, when you’re done I have another one for you,” Constance said to him, he simply nodded . “He’ll get to you in a minute. Why don’t you go and look around I’ll be sitting right here.”

Nicole walked away a little but not far, she didn’t want to lose Ms. Fidget. She stood in the corner, the other children were standing around talking and laughing but she didn’t know anyone and she wasn’t the type to introduce herself. She stood there quietly watching, wishing she knew someone.

[alexander]

Alex was walking around the room he stayed in packing. He didn't have alot of clothes but he didn't mind. Alex walked about the room grabbing socks and things that he wanted to take with him. He brabbed a couple of books that he wanted to take with him and stuck them in his trunk. Then Alex closed the trunk and sat down on his bed. He took an envolope out of his pocket and took out a piece of parchment. "Dear Mr. Hawes" he read to himself "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a llist of all necessary books and equipment." Alex smiled as he finished the letter and stood up.

Alex had read this letter atleast a hundred times since getting it two weeks ago. He couldn't wait to get out of the orpanage. Alex put the letter back in his pocket and pulled his trunk off his bed and dragged it out into the hallway. Looking back into his room Alex smiled and shut the door. He turned and walked down the stairs onto the first floor. Alex looked around at the kids looking at him but didn't say anything. Alex was an outsider and got picked on alot by the kids there. The manager of the orphanage, Mrs. Dinkle, walked up to Alex and said "Are you ready to go?" Alex nodded and tugged his trunk out into the front yard.

Mrs. Dinkle was the only person who knew where Alex was really going. Every kid at the orphanage thought he got moved to a different orphanage. Alex dragged his trunk out to the street where there was a man and a cab waiting. Mrs. Dinkle looked at him and said "Now you have fun and behave yourself." Alex nodded and walked over to the man. "Hello you must be Alex." the man said. Alex nodded and the man said "Well Im Mr. Wooten. Im with the ministry and Im going to take you to get your school things." Alex looked at him and didn't say anything. The man looked quite worried but took Alex's trunk and stuck it in the trunk of the cab and Alex got in with the man and the man said "London."

The cab took off and Alex looked back at Mrs. Dinkle waving. Alex waved back and turned around to face the front. The ride was pretty silent until Alex broke it. "Umm Mr. Wooten. I don't have any money, how am I going to pay for my stuff?" Alex said frowning. Mr. Wooten looked at him and said "Not to worry the ministry will provide you with money to get your school supplies." "Oh ok" Alex said looking down at the floor. Alex never picked up his head until the cab finally stopped and Mr. Wooten paid the driver. Alex got out and took his trunk from Mr. Wooten and followed him up to a pub. "This is the Leaky Cauldron." Mr. Wooten said smiling.

Alex followed Mr. Wooten into the pub dragging his trunk. The place was dark and there were wizards and witches everywhere. Alex tried not to look around but just followed Mr. Wooten until they stopped at the bar. "Hello Mr. Wooten." the man said. "We need to get the key for Mr. Hawes room." Mr. Wooten said. The man smiled and said "Ok here it is. Room number 9." the man said smiling. Alex looked at him and said "Thank you." Alex followed Mr. Wooten up the steps to the landing and they stopped at room number 9.

"Here is your room." Mr. Wooten said. Alex walked in and set his trunk down. "Well what do you say we go and get your stuff?" Mr. Wooten said looking at Alex. Alex nodded and followed him out of the room and down the stairs. When they got downstairs Mr. Wooten took Alex outside and to a brick wall. Alex didn't know what he was going to do but soon found out when he tapped his wand on the wall and watched it open up. Alex's eye's opened wide when he saw what was behind the wall. "This is Diagon Alley" Mr. Wooten said smiling.

Alex followed Mr. Wooten into the crowded streets. Alex was amazed with everything he saw and couldn't keep his eyes in one place. Mr. Wooten looked back at him and said "we best go get your wand first Alex." Alex looked at him and for the first time smiled and said "OK." Alex couldn't wait to get his wand. He followed Mr. Wooten into a store called Olivanders. Alex lookd around at the few students there and waited to see what he should do. "We got another for you Mr. Olivander." Mr. Wooten said. Alex stood there for a bit and he noticed a girl standing alone in a corner. Alex couldn't help but think she was a first year to so he walked up to her.

Alex ussually was shy but he thought he needed to branch out now that he knew what he was. "Hi Im Alex." Alex said looking at the girl. "Is this your first year to?" Alex asked.

[Ayumi]

Ayumi brushed her way through the crowded streets of London, Both the wind and the rain rushed into her, threatening to blow her robe off and send her trunk rolling down the street. Her long black robe whipped in the wind, she grabbed her collar and clutched it close to her. The rain began to pour even harder and large drops fell on her dark black hair which was pulled up in two high pigtails. She let go of her collar and pulled on her hood.
The rain fell on the hood, however penetrated it. Ayumi grunted and made her way through the crowd. People eyed her disapprovingly and glared at her as if she were a devil or some sort like that.
Ayumi ignored them and continued walking, she replayed some things in her head, one was what happened this morning. She awoke, happy to know that her mother was finally home, and they could both shop together. However that didn't happen. Ayumi woke up and found a note on her bedside table that morning. Her mother explained to her that something important popped up and she left for Holland. She informed Ayumi to go to the leaky Cauldron and spend the summer there. Reservations were already made and she had to do shopping herself.
Ayumi shrugged it off, as much as it hurt, she was already used to it. This had always happened to her, nothing new.
Ayumi shook her head and stopped. She had finally reached the Leaky Cauldron. She sighed and stepped over the threshold. Stopping to shake herself off.
Then she walked up the to the counter and rang the bell. Ayumi stood there for a few second, water dripping on the floor and her hair soaking wet. Then a man walked up, he was short and wore small glasses. "How may I may you young miss?" the man said in a cracked voice. Ayumi hesitated the replied, "um I have a room under the kimoto name." the man looked through a dirty book and said, "why yes you're in room 10" He opened a drawer and pulled out a key. Ayumi stretched her hand and grabbed the rusty key, which had the number 10 inscripted into it.
She thanked the man and dragged her trunk up the stairs and down the corrider to her room. She reached her room and looked at the wooden door. Etched into it was the number 10. She flipped her key and pressed itinto the lock, turning the knob then finally pushing the door open. instantly, the smell of must rang through the door way. Ayumi reached for the lights and flipped them on. The lights flickered then iluminated the room. It was a small room that lead to a bathroom, and there was a bed in the middle. The window had smudges and the corners were grimy, Ayumi grimaced and muttered," this looks very promising." She turned around and kicked her trunk into the room. It slid across the floor and banged into the wall. Raven's cage crashed to the floor and rolled to the other side of the room. Luckily her owl wasn't in it.
Ayumi followed in and shut the door. Lazily, she made her way to the bed and slumped on it. She pushed her fingers into her eyes and moaned silently. She lay there for quite a few minutes and heard a door close. It sounded like it came from room 9. "Oh good neighbors" she said in a dull voice.
She got up and changed, her clothes which were soaked were now damp. Ayumi changed into a pair of black pants and a red shirt. Then she pulled on a black robe. She walked to the mirror and brushed her hair. The water made the black look so slick. She stared at her reflection and looked into her crimson eyes. As she stared into them things began to run through her head. Ayumi stopped looking at her relfection, she hated seeing those things.
She decided to go downstairs into the pub to socialize. Hopefully she would meet some first years like her. Hopefully.
She pulled on her platform boots and clunked down the stairs.
Looking around she saw the pub filled with the usual squibs, witches and wizards.
She turned and exited it, there was obviously no one here. So she just decided to get a wand.
She made her way to the back and went through the enchanted brick wall and into Diagon Alley. She headed for Ollivanders and finally reached the shop doors. When she entered the musty dark shop, she spotted two kids in a corner, they were timid looking, most likely first years. She made her way towards them, "I'll catch a convo with them, then get my wand." She said to herself.
Finally she reached the two, one a boy the other a girl.
"Hiya, I'm Ayumi" She said in an almost too cheerful voice "You two first years, heading to hogwarts?"

[nicole]

Nicole was standing alone in the corner, wishing someone would talk to her, when someone did, much to her surprise. “Hi,” she said shyly, “I’m Nicole, nice to meet you. Yes, I’m a first year.” Nicole gave a very small smile, she was glad to that someone was talking to her. “Are you umm…are you here with your mum and dad?” she asked him, looking at the other kids who were there with there parents. Nicole ad barely asked Alex the question when another voice addressing her, caught her attention, this time it was a girl. “Hi, I’m Nicole, nice to meet you. Yes, we’re first years, and I am going to Hogwarts. Are you?” she asked her.

Constance took a quick peak over at Nicole, and to her surprise, she found the timid girl talking to some other children, “Very good Nicole, very good,” she said under her breath. She was talking to a boy who had come in with Mr. Wooten, a fellow Ministry worker, “Mr. Wooten, take a seat over here why don’t you? It seems that our charges are doing all right for themselves. Is that the Hawes boy?” she asked, being in the Ministry they all had knowledge of the first years who were under Ministry care till they reached Hogwarts. “Do you know the girl who’s with them?”

Nicole looked at Ayumi and Alex, she was still surprised that someone had spoken to her. “You both getting your wands or did you get it already?” Nicole felt a little foolish about her next question, but she had to ask someone, “Umm…do you know any magic?” she asked both of them. Nicole had no clue about anything in this world she was supposed to fit into, she didn’t know spells, how to use a wand or even where her school was. She felt very isolated and alone feeling that she was going to be the only first year who didn’t know anything about anything.

[Ayumi]

Ayumi smiled at Nicole, she knew that she was really timid. "You can't blame her" Ayumi thought to herself, "I mean we were all like this." She looked up from her thoughts and looked back at Nicole. "Yep I'm a first year, and I'm getting my wand."
She smiled at nicole's question, "'course I know magic" Ayumi said with a little giggle, "how 'bout you?" She asked.
Ayumi placed her hand on Nicole's shoulder, "Look calm down." She said to Nicole, she sensed a bit of tension inside her, "Your with friends now, why I'll be glad to be one of them." Ayumi finished with a reassuring smile.

[nicole]

Nicole smiled, “Cool,” she said looking at Ayumi and then around her, the strange old man, Mr. Ollivander she thought he was called, was helping another child with their wand. Her smiled fell when Ayumi said that she did know magic, “You do?” Nicole hesitated before she answered Ayumi, she suddenly felt that she didn’t belong there, “No. I don’t know any.” Nicole looked at Ayumi as she tried to assure her that she was with friends. This was a little relieving to Nicole, “I don’t have any friends,” she said monotone, “I would like that. If you were my friend,” she wasn’t sure what else to say. It would be wonderful to have someone to talk to at her knew school, to have a friend.

“Nicole, Mr. Ollivander is almost ready for you,” Constance said from her seat. Nicole nodded. “Do you know any magic Alex?” she asked the boy, who was not saying much at the time. Just then an elderly voice called her name, “Ms. Kristensen. I’m ready for you.” Nicole looked at the others and then went to the old man. Nicole was not sure what she was supposed to do, pick one she liked? Was there some test? She looked at Constance, who gave her a warm smile and ushered her forward. Nicole stood before Mr. Ollivander, “Okay let’s get started,” he said to himself more than to Nicole. He pulled out a measuring tape and began to measure around her head, very soon he was making comments, nodding and grunting to himself, and the tape was doing everything on its own. Nicole’s eyes grew large in surprise and amazement.

“That’s it I think,” he said and the tape fell at her feet. Ollivander then disappeared into the back and re-emerged with a long rectangular box in his hands. He removed a slender white wand, about half the length of Nicole’s arm, and gave it to her. “Give it a wave,” he told her. Nicole did as instructed, and there was a loud crash and a pile of boxes from the shelf landed on a nearby vase. Ollivander took the wand from Nicole, “Nope, not that one.” When he returned with another one Nicole almost didn’t want to take it, and with good reason, the next attempt was no better. This continued with two other wands before they found the perfect wand. Her wand was a beautiful, sleek Holly wand with a dragon-heartstring core, 9 ½ inches, supple and swishy.

Nicole returned to the others once she had her wand, “That wasn’t so bad,” she said though, it had been trying at some points, especially when she launched a vase at Mr. Ollivander. Barely missing him.

[Ayumi]

Ayumi was sure that Nicole was comfortable, but she just needed time. "Ah not a person of many friends either." She said rather confidently, she never revealed that to anybody, though it was plainly obvious.

"But you know it's ok, that you don't know magic." she said to Nicole, "There are sometimes consequences, I guess." She said cooly, she watched at Nicole walked off to get her want. Ayumi's heart beat, soon it would be her turn.

When nicole returned, she looked fluster. Ayumi jumped when Ollivander called her name, when she passed Nicole she whispered,"Nice want you got there." And winked as she walked away.

With Ollivander, she shook excitedly, she really really wanted her wand. "Well Ollivander, what shall we start with first?" She said as ollivander eyed her. "Ah spirited." He said smiling, "Here try this, 13 inch holly, unicorn hair from the finest male unicorn." He said handing her the wand. "Ayumi held it excitedly, but it hissed and spat dark red sparks as it vibrated in her hand. "Here here, Ollivander said hurridly, taking the wand and handing her another. 11 inch ebony dragonheartstring core." He said fixing his glasses. Ayumi flicked it, and let out a blue spark which flew into the wall engraving a hole. Ollivander jumped, "Of course should have known" he said excitedly, rushing to the back then coming back. "Here 15 inch, Maple Wood, DragonHeart string from the last dragon of an extinct race." He handed it to Ayumi "Go on try it" he said.

Ayumi inhaled, but only got dust and coughed, after clearing her mouth, she flicked her wand which expelled a silver ray of light and then it turned ruby red. "Ah yes here it is" Ollivander said excitedly. "You've got a strong heart there Ayumi." Remember that. He said as he pushed her out from the back and placing her wand in a box. "Thanks Ollivander" Ayumi said brightly.

She returned to Nicole and Alex, smiling greatly, "that was exciting!" She said and looked at Nicole, "so what's your wand?" she said in a jumpy voice.

[nicole]

Nicole smiled a very small smile, “No I’m not.” Nicole had never been a very friends oriented person, because it didn’t make sense. Living in the orphanage, Nicole discovered that it was futile to make friends, because they got moved to different homes or adopted, leaving you alone. If you were alone or limited your friends like she had, then you would be fine. Nicole had only one friend her age, and then there was Sister Mary Claire of course. “Really? I thought I would be the only one who didn’t know magic.”

After she had gotten her wand and returned to Ayumi, it was then the other girl’s turn at getting her wand. “Thanks,” Nicole said politely as Ayumi told her that she had a nice wand. Nicole watched as Ayumi went through the same process she had to get her wand. The first wand Ayumi tried didn’t seem to like her, as it spat dark red sparks everywhere, neither did the next wand. The last wand Ayumi tried was a winner and she came back to Nicole and Alex with her new wand. Nicole smiled as Ayumi said that had been exciting, She had not felt that way, to Nicole it was amazing and kind of frightening. “Oh, my wand is Holly and dragon heartstring, 9 1/2 inches. It’s really light. What’s yours?” she asked, proud of her wand, though it had taken a bit to find it.