NationStates Jolt Archive

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Strayt Way - Wizarding Business Center

Strayt Way
As summer draws to a close and another exciting year at Exeter Academy of Witchcraft & Wizarding approaches rapidly, students - or perhaps more appropriately their mothers - gather up their belongings and list of school supplies that they will need and make that painful purse pinching decision of what to buy as they make their annual visit to Strayt Way.

To enter the secret way, visitors to the lane must enter through an invisible (to muggles) tavern known as the Tarnished Flask. The entryway, hidden even within the invisible tavern for unknown reasons, is located in an archway backed by a stonewall in the rear of the building. With the proper touch, the stone fold away and reveal the busy inner workings of the wizard world's most famous and most active business centers.

Stores, signs, and people clog the narrow way, especially in the back-to-school season when students and their families make their visits. Everything imaginable in the wizard world is here: wand shops, robe shops, joke stores, candy booths, quidditch and broom specific stores, book stores, magical creature and pet shops, owl-specific shops, the newspaper office, an ice cream parlor, the main wizarding bank, junk shop, rare item store, stalls and booths of all kinds, other clothing, and much, much more. As no other major shopping district exists, save perhaps in Cheshire, everything and anything exists here...


Seven Kings Station
But just as soon as quickly as the annual visit to Strayt Way arrives, so too does it pass and the time to leave home for the year away arrives. Soon after stocking their trunks with all of their scholarly needs, as well as other fun stuff, students and their families make the trip to Seven Kings Station. Once onto the magical platform only visitable by those of magic and their kin, students board the "Double E" or Exeter Express and wave goodbye to their families. Soon the train will pull away in a screen of steam, and streak through the darkening day of the English countryside before finally coming to a stop a short distance from Exeter Academy of Witchcraft & Wizardry.


[OOC: This is a pre-"Main IC Thread" thread where people can being their RPing as I wait to start the main school year thread for other people to join. Basically, this thread begins as summer is drawing to a close and people are making their trip to the equivalent of Diagon Alley, followed by their departures at the equivalent to King's Cross. Here you can have your characters meet and rekindle old friendships or create new ones before they see each other at the school (just kind of made sense to me that kids would be seeing some of their friends before sitting down in the great hall). Additionally, we are attempting to get the students' families involved a bit, so this is one of the threads where they can participate in various ways. Similarly, you are allowed to have stores that your family owns in Strayt Way such as the main Robes store or one of the candy shops or whatever you want. Create what you want and describe Strayt Way as you will. Eventually they can travel to the train station that houses the magical platform for the Exeter Express and board for their trip to the academy. If you have any questions, direct them to the Main OOC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=537142) thread. Have fun with the RPing until the school thread begins.]

Reserved

Gareth wondered around Strayt Way, which was packed with people. He had his basic stuff like wands and quills made ready for the classes for the year. He was rather looking for year 4 textbooks, which he managed to find a shop, titled "Wrath's Bookshop" which sells the texbooks he needed. After buying his books, he strolled along the street looking to see if there were any new shops in town. There seemed to be one called, "Wandy's Muggle Candy" which seemed almost like an instant hit, Candies made from muggle made ingridents seemed almost alien yet irresitable taste of eating it over and over again. However there were a few people who were looking at the long queue, rather disgusted by Pure and Mixed blooded buying "Mudblood" Candy.

Garreth sighed. "When do people earn to treat people with diffrent bloods equally?", he said to himself. It was a long way from home in his muggle world, so he decided to go looking around for an inn to rest for the night...

Elendil Walked around the streets of strayt way, he was awed to see that some many people where wizard and witches as well as he. He had some difficulty finding all that he needed for the school year. All he had was the wand his parents got him in canada, some quills, and a cauldron. But what bothered Elendil was that he could not find a place to buy textbooks. Then after ages of searching he found one called Wrath's Book store. Elendil went inside to purchas his books as well as a few extras on the subject of spell crafting. When he left he realised he had little wizard money as his parents where always on the run and could never stay anywhere long enough to get a good wizarding job.

A somewhat middle-aged woman had shown up at the Kent's home a few weeks before school was scheduled to begin with a letter saying she was from the academy and was going to take Marius to get his school supplies and give him a bit of an intro on the school. As the paper work appeared to be in order, he was allowed to go with her.

A few questions passed from the adult to the youth but most were of the meaningless small-talk type but were met with non-commital yeses or noes. The sights of the inn and alleyway were very shocking to Marius for he was in now way use to the large collections of strange things such as insects in jars, stores dedicated to robes and brooms, pictures that mvoed on thier own or goblins running a bank.

The aquisition of a wand was quite fun, if not a little hazardous to the shop-keep for every wand Marius was given to try had an interesting effect such as causing a flower to sprout, a gust of wind or shower of sparks, among others. Finally having his wand confirmed as the correct one for him and while his escort said she was going to get af ew other supplies for him, Marius took the opportunity to wander.

The sight of all those people gathered around a candy store to by pixie sticks, bubble gum and rock candy was amusing as those were things you could find anywhere and weren't that special. Taking a gum ball out of his pocket he began chewing as a girl about his height bumped into him, getting gum in her hair.

Fortunately it didn't really stick and they were able to get it out. "Hi, sorry about that. I'm Marius, and you?"
"Valentine. I'm going to Exeter Academy this fall."
"Same, maybe I'll see you there."
"Ya, maybe, my mom's calling so later."
"Later." Marius replied as he noticed his escort emerging. It would seem that he would not be starting off a complete unknown at the new school.

John Henry had been accompanied by his father to Strayt Way, and he had purchased the required books and robes and cauldrons for the new year. His father told him as they walked along the way, "Son, if you meet any blood purity fanatics, just ignore them, I do not want you to become one. Blood purity does not matter, and if the wizarding world inbreeds, it will soon fall apart, as each cousin marrys cousin, and sister marrys brother... It would come to that if the blood purity fanatics have their way. Remember your Great Grandfather, your mother I am sad to say is a pure blood fanatic.." John said heatedly "Then why did you marry her then?"

His father Tom sighed and said "She wasn't all that way really for the first 15 years of our marriage, but I think something happened.."

Yuri walked through the streets, occasionally glancing behind himself. Old habits die hard, he thought sighing. He was dressed in muggle clothing, and a backpack. His strange cloths got him a few glances from people and a couple of snickers from others. Fools, he though, why don't they go out into the streets of London and try wearing those robes. He searched for a bookstore but couldn't find one. After buying a cauldron, several robes, and a cat, Yuri set off to find a place to get a bite to eat. He decided to go to a candy store he had seen earlier. He noticed a young man standing near the shop. He walked over and tapped the boy's shoulder. " Hey, 'cuse me do you know where a bookshop is?"

OOC: Theao thats you.

John Henry encouraged his father to continue, but when he pressed his father snapped "To the wand shop now!" John snarled underneath his breath "What? I only asked a question?" He walked to the shop and got a new wand of holly and dragoncore and walked out and his father said "I will take you to Staryt Way, and then I'll be off..." John nodded as they walked to the station, John was infact taller then his father. His father said sighing "I have to act like a pureblood fanatic, because of your mother!"

John losing his cool shouted "You let my mom tell you how to act, like you think she knows more!, you only do it so mom doesn't divorce you!" Tom roared "You will not talk to your mother like that!" John snarled "I have and I will, you are a pure blood freak like she is!" Tom hissed "I will put you in your place!" He whipped out his wand and roared "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" John dodged the spell and roared "EXPELLIARMUS!" knocking the wand out of his father's hand..

OOC: If you want to know why he knows it, let's say he's an avid bookworm, who's kindof practiced spells at home. Right know he is getting a rift, similar to Sirius and his mother..

Rafzekael stood by a corner of the bookstore, checking a list.
"Uh-huh. New cat, new books..." He looked at the bookstore, checking his list of required books. He saw a couple he needed and went inside to get them. He swore. There was a bloody long line.

John's father glared daggers at him as he handed his father's wand back to him, and John's father softened and said "I love you John, even if you are an Emantrico and not a Draco, you taught me a valuable lesson today, have a good school year.." John smiled and said "Thanks Dad.." He waved as his dad drove off, and he sat down on the benches and awaited the train that would take him to school..

"Right...back again" Alex thought as he walked into Strayt Way for the first time in a month. He was torn between his opinions of this new school year. On one hand he was looking forward to getting back into some serious work and improving as a Wizard. On the other hand, it meant the end of long nights and days of nothing to do but relax or mess about. It has to be done he thought gain glumly as he walked into the bookshop "What do I need for this year?" he wondered, fiddling about for the list in his pocket

Natalie was used to doing this-her 4th year heading into-but the first time, Strayt Way had been anything but easy to navigate. The endless venders, screaming children, confused adolescents, haggling buyers, conferring aurors-it was all dense for a simple girl from California used to lying on the beach. Fourth year was different-she knew pretty much what she was doing. Passing by first years with little clue, she entered into the bookstore-Wrath's-that she had used previously. Getting her fourth-year books, the line fortunately wasn't too bad as she weaved through, in-and-out quickly...and now the line was mounting. No worries.

One thing Nat hadn't had in the past was an owl. All the other kids, it seemed, had them, to deliver letters, get posts, and various other things at their bidding, and Nat-who didn't need new robes and already had a wand, along with other things-was in no short supply of money. Why not indulge...besides, she had no pets in her real life, either, and she figured it was time to care for something.

Walking into Fig's Owl Supplies, her wand unexpectedly shot off golden sparks from her pocket-not setting a fire, at least, but startling, none the less. She'd have to go get that seen, hoping no one had seen the momentary startlement.

"Right...back again" Alex thought as he walked into Strayt Way for the first time in a month. He was torn between his opinions of this new school year. On one hand he was looking forward to getting back into some serious work and improving as a Wizard. On the other hand, it meant the end of long nights and days of nothing to do but relax or mess about. It has to be done he thought gain glumly as he walked into the bookshop "What do I need for this year?" he wondered, fiddling about for the list in his pocket

"You really are an idiot... Didn't you bring a note?" Rafzekael shook his head.

"You really are an idiot... Didn't you bring a note?" Rafzekael shook his head.

Alex casually turned around, the list in his left hand "Talking 'bout this Mate?" he held the note up so Rafzekael could see it "I'm always prepared. To what level I'm prepared is another matter altogather" he looked around muttering to himself "This way" he said to nobody as he walked off down one of the corridors.

Alex casually turned around, the list in his left hand "Talking 'bout this Mate?" he held the note up so Rafzekael could see it "I'm always prepared. To what level I'm prepared is another matter altogather" he looked around muttering to himself "This way" he said to nobody as he walked off down one of the corridors.

Rafzekael shook his head and muttered "Imbecile." He stalked away down another corridor, looking for Advanced Curses. He didn't need that book... He just liked the pictures.

Aggy Shackleford causually walked into Fig's Owl Supplies. His long, brown, dreadlocked hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Even as he entered the shop he kept his sunglasses on. They were obviously wizarding sunglasses: they had no earpieces (think morpheus from the matrix) yet they stayed on his head. He was clad in a dark green Toil'N'Trouble t-shirt, which displayed the band logo: a flaming skull wearing a wizarding cap and with a lit cigarette in its mouth. The shirt was also definately of the wizarding world, as the flames moved, and the skull took puffs of the cigarette.

As he walked in, he saw a bright light. Aggy smiled as he realized it was from a girl's wand. He looked her up and down. Blond hair, tan skin an American! Looking at her clothes he confirmed his suspicions. Right then and there Aggy realized he had to talk to her. He had always had a thing for American chicks.

He walked over to her and said, "Don't worry, happens to the best of us mate." He held out his hand, "Agememnon Q Shackleford, but people jus' call me 'Aggy'."

Elendil Had decide to spend his last amount of money on a pet of some sort, now what did wizards keep for pets, oh yeah an owl. Elendil looked around forever then he found figs owl supplies. He looked around and saw 2 students talking, one of them calling himself aggy, "cool name" Elendil thought to himself. He looked around and spotted a beautiful Great horned owl. He checked the price tag next to it and muttered under his breath and said "damn, not enough money." He looked around for any others he liked but could'nt spot one. Elendil shook his head and sat down on a bench outside the store and thought of a way to raise 12 of the silver coins, of which the name escaped him.

OOC: Brown hair, Szar...blonde is Shakal's girl

IC:

Natalie looked up from her pocket at the kid next to her-who seemed somewhat out of place, even in the Magical community as this. True, her Los Angeles Lakers shirt was slightly out of place as well-but this kid's strange sunglasses, dark green, skull-adorned shirt, and long hair made him seem as if he belonged more at Cal Berkeley than at Strayt Way. Almost hippie-esque, though Nat wasn't willing to go that far with him yet. If anything, along with his words he seemed almost Australian.

Agamemnon...now THAT was a wierd name. Used to a world where everybody was Brian or Kevin or Tyrod, Agamemnon was certainly out of the norm.

"Erm...hi Aggy," Nat said, not wanting to go all the way to "Agamemnon." "I think I need to get my wand checked or something."

Rafzekael bought his books and left the store. He saw his brother run past.
"Oi!" He yelled after him. He didn't stop. Raf swore and jinxed his brother's legs together. He then got him in a headlock and dragged him to the bookshop, pressing him against the wall.
"Listen, when I tell you to stop, stop, or I'll levitate you onto a roof. We clear?" Raf's brother nodded feebly. "Good." Rafzekael let his brother drop to the ground, then sat down on a bench to check his list.

OOC: :eek:DAMMIT! Sorry... I guess I'll have to make flash cards of all the characters attributes and memorize them at nite...

IC:

Aggy grinned "Yeh, that'l happen. Say you an American? I don't mean to be rude but you talk funny chum. Cali-girl right? I've been to America a couple times mehself. I went on tour with me dad an' his band" he pointed at his shirt.

Nat almost laughed at him. She certainly hadn't heard of his band-the more popular and new things like NWA and Dr. Dre were the headlines around Hollywood's music-and he certainly didn't seem like a popular band guy, even with the wierd metal bands that the stranger Californians listened too-particularly the ones up from San Fran and Berkeley. Maybe he could fit the bill, but doubtfull. He seemed more like a down-on-his-look rockstar looking for street money.

"California, yea," she replied, "San Diego. What band is that...I haven't heard of it around Hollywood or anything."

Granted, if it was a magical band, it wouldn't be in Hollywood...but judging from his appearance, Nat was willing to at least see if he wasn't as mainstream magical as some of the wierer folk around Strayt War.

Elendil sad, that he did not have the money for an owl scuffled his feet and walked back to the wizard section of the tavern. When he got there he sat down and set up a game of wizard chess, and cast a spell of movement to allow the pieces to play against him.

After meeting Valentine an older kid came and asked him a question. "Not exactly, in fact beside the fact that we're somewhere in London I don't really know precisely where I am. Shouldn't you know where it is, or do they restructure the landscape on a day to day basis?" Marius replied with a faint touch of sarcastic peevishness. Despite, or perhaps because of, the fact that the older kid wore normal clothes it irked him, he was like that speed bump in the middle of a road where there shouldn't be one and didn't seem to fit. The fact that he also wore similar clothes didn't mean a thing.

About to add more, he saw his guide waving and added, "Well, got to get going, hope you find your book-store."

Samantha ran through the list of her supplies in her head. Books, Quills, parchment, exploding gummy bears. What am I missing? She was looking at the ground as she walked. The cobblestones reminded her house back home. She jumped after running almost facefirst into a wall. She stood up and gathered her things. Way to go... She said to herself. Samantha was growing tired of this. Her bank account was already deeping indented very deeply with all this, a luxury her parents didnt like her having. She walked over to some higher area and started looking for Derrick, he was always organized enough to have some sort of cart or something for her.

Tobias entered the alleyway with a magically enlarged backpack hanging from one shoulder. Hoping he could get his shopping done quickly so he could head to the ice cream parlor (if he could find it) for a quick bite, he scanned the signs above the shops in hope of finding the stores he needed. Knowing the best little shops would be nestled in the very back, he headed off. It wasn't long before he saw fellow students, some with their parents, and others like him whose parents were either sitting in a tea shop catching up or having a drink at the inn.

Aggy shook his head, "Naw mate, they're not that kind. They a wizarding band, pretty popular. Me dad's the drummer." Aggy was a little discouraged, usually people's eyes lit up when they heard who his dad was. But Nat looked more like she was going to laugh "Anyway, you can't be a first year, what house they put you in?"

Derrick walked about with his parents trailing him with his things on floating in a neat magically created pile. Since he wasnt allowed to do magic outside school his parents did it for him. He looked around. All his supplies were bought and ready to go. He just needed to meet with Samantha and then would be off. He saw her blonde hair appear above everyone as she looked around, most likly for him. He went over. "Hey Sammy."

Derrick walked about with his parents trailing him with his things on floating in a neat magically created pile. Since he wasnt allowed to do magic outside school his parents did it for him. He looked around. All his supplies were bought and ready to go. He just needed to meet with Samantha and then would be off. He saw her blonde hair appear above everyone as she looked around, most likly for him. He went over. "Hey Sammy."

Samantha jumped down when she heard Derrick talk.

"Took you long enough." She said to him. She looked to see his parents following behind him some yards with all his things floating magically infront of them. "Your done too." She said knowing the answer. "Good now be a polite young man and offer to carry my things." She said to him uncerimoniously holding out her arms waiting for him to put his arms underneath to cath it when she dropped them.

Samantha jumped down when she heard Derrick talk.

"Took you long enough." She said to him. She looked to see his parents following behind him some yards with all his things floating magically infront of them. "Your done too." She said knowing the answer. "Good now be a polite young man and offer to carry my things." She said to him uncerimoniously holding out her arms waiting for him to put his arms underneath to cath it when she dropped them.

OOC:I cant post for a bit now, maybe in an hour or so Ill be back.

IC:
Derrick sighed and looked at Samantha. She had this way of making him do things. "Allow me your highness." He said bowing his head and going onto one knee. As soon as she set the books in his arms he stood and smacked her upside the head with a thinner softcover book. "Thats what you get. Remember, you are a woman, I am a man therfore I deserve more respect than you." He said with a big smile growing on his face.

OOC:I cant post for a bit now, maybe in an hour or so Ill be back.

IC:
Derrick sighed and looked at Samantha. She had this way of making him do things. "Allow me your highness." He said bowing his head and going onto one knee. As soon as she set the books in his arms he stood and smacked her upside the head with a thinner softcover book. "Thats what you get. Remember, you are a woman, I am a man therfore I deserve more respect than you." He said with a big smile growing on his face.

OOC:I be back now!:D

OOC:I cant post for a bit now, maybe in an hour or so Ill be back.

IC:
Derrick sighed and looked at Samantha. She had this way of making him do things. "Allow me your highness." He said bowing his head and going onto one knee. As soon as she set the books in his arms he stood and smacked her upside the head with a thinner softcover book. "Thats what you get. Remember, you are a woman, I am a man therfore I deserve more respect than you." He said with a big smile growing on his face.

Samantha rubbed the back of her head. "Meanie!" She said to him. "But your also supposed to respect your elders! And im 6 months older so you have to obey me." She said back to him. His smile would fade now. Once they were on the train she would start with her schemes for the year.

Samantha rubbed the back of her head. "Meanie!" She said to him. "But your also supposed to respect your elders! And im 6 months older so you have to obey me." She said back to him. His smile would fade now. Once they were on the train she would start with her schemes for the year.

Derrick decided to take her books anyways and add them to his pile, it was polite afterall. His mom loked at him almost mad as his dad smiled. The two had always fought like this. Derrick walked back to Samantha. "Do you have everything?" He asked. They would head to the train and wait there so there was no chance at missing it after everything was finished here. "I sure hope you dont go halfway to getting us expelled this year round." He added.

EDIT: w00t! Post 100!

Derrick decided to take her books anyways and add them to his pile, it was polite afterall. His mom loked at him almost mad as his dad smiled. The two had always fought like this. Derrick walked back to Samantha. "Do you have everything?" He asked. They would head to the train and wait there so there was no chance at missing it after everything was finished here. "I sure hope you dont go halfway to getting us expelled this year round." He added.

EDIT: w00t! Post 100!

"I plan not to get caught this year." Samantha said back turning around throwing her long blonde hair back. "I have everything I need. Are we going to Seven Kings to wait for the train right away?" Samantha wanted to start explaining her plans for some pranks already without Derricks parents overhearing. Her own would send her off once she got there.

Garreth found an inn, by the name of "Bucklebeard's Inn". It was quite old, the only thing that attracts Garreth to it was the line, " 16 Sickles Per night, Breakfast included." He approached the counter. A Old man with a ridiculously long beard appeared from the shadows behind.

"You must be Mr. Bucklebeard, eh?",

"Sure am, young man. What brings you here?"

"A room for the night sir."

"That will be 16 sickles then."

Garreth paid the 16 sickles and went up to Room 36 where he unpacked his stuff. It was a pretty decent room, only the windows were not soundproof, and the noise from Strayt Way below would rattle his room. He took out his year 4 books and started going through them...

Rafzekael came into the in carrying his equipment. He sat down and looked around. Nothing of any real interest.
You'd think... He thought to himself, That they would have a better place for Pure bloods to stay.

Angela looked around Strayt way; its bustling nature had a culture all of its own; the first time you come here it’s a real shock. She remembered her first time here buying a wand, magic books, robes, herbs for potions but Angela was a veteran now who knew the ins and outs of the place and could navigate it like a pro. Ironically she'd discovered a skill in creating potions and got A's the last 4 years in a row even though she hated it with a passion and only took the damn course because it was a mandatory subject. Still she'd opted to take a few interesting classes this year; hoping to add Curses and advanced magical studies to her list of classes but she had yet to take the entrance exams for those classes so there was no sure fire way of getting in.

Angela headed for one of the bookshops; her favourite actually; a place called "Wraiths"; Angela loved to read ever since an early age and was a total book worm until her second year at Exeter when she started to become more extroverted. Learning to cook and taking more advanced flying lessons slowly become the life of any party granted it had also earned her somewhat a reputation but Angela was a thrill seeker despite this though she still loved to indulge in her love of books. She was about to enter the bookshop dressed in her usual Crimson T-shirt and jeans; it matched her copper orange hair and she liked the colour red. Instantly she recognised one of her friends from the earlier year across the way in Figs Owl Supplies so she ran out to greet her; "HEY NAT!" she called out attempting to take the girl into a tight hug

Alex emerged from his final stop, carrying a large bunch of quills and various other pieces of equipment. Almost as soon as he had left the shop he noticed Aggy and Nat standing with another girl...Angela. In his year and in his house.

He walked over casually and said in a neutral tone "How ya doin' Aggy?, Angela?" turning to her "Good summer?"

OOC: As Aggy and Alex are in 5th Year, I'd presume they know each other

"Hey mate," Aggy smiled. He knew Alex, but as they were in different Houses and in different cliques, they had never really talked. "How was yer summer?" He was a little peeved at Alex and Angela, he was trying to talk to this girl and they totally C-blocked him. Well, he would have an entire school year to talk to her.

"Not so bad, went to a few Professional Duels and all, with my ma and the like" he replied remembering the matches during the Belfast Open. He looked at Aggy again smiling "Do much touring with yer Da over the summer?" He liked the Band and often listened to them whenever possible. He also quite liked Aggy. He was unusual.

Garreth was spent about 2 hours going through his books. He was kind of bored, and the noise from the street below was distracting him. He decided to go down and take a stroll,mainly to see if he could make a few new friends or find a few old pals, and maybe invite them up for some "fellowship".

Elendil was on the ground floor of the bucklebeard inn he noticed the sign checked his pockets and sighed a sigh of relief,he had 17 sickles. He walked to the innkeeper and asked for a room. "Here you go son, room 33." The Innkeeper said to him after handing over 16 sickles. Elendil went to his room and unlocked the door. After laying all his stuff down so he could sort it into his trunk later, Elendil went down stairs to see if he could meet anyone.

"Not so bad, went to a few Professional Duels and all, with my ma and the like" he replied remembering the matches during the Belfast Open. He looked at Aggy again smiling "Do much touring with yer Da over the summer?" He liked the Band and often listened to them whenever possible. He also quite liked Aggy. He was unusual.

"Yeh, they played in Oz this summer." Aggy grinned, finally someone who listened to Toil 'N' Trouble , "That was pretty righteous mate, them Aussie chicks are pretty noice! Unfortunately, that only lasted a couple of weeks mate, they were playing and the show got way too loud, that'll happen when you enchant yer amps ta go past eleven. The Muggle feds showed up and there was trouble. Luckily the Aussie Minstry solved the problem by messin wit the Muggle's memories, but they still 'requested' that the band leave."

"Yeh, they played in Oz this summer." Aggy grinned, finally someone who listened to Toil 'N' Trouble , "That was pretty righteous mate, them Aussie chicks are pretty noice! Unfortunately, that only lasted a couple of weeks mate, they were playing and the show got way too loud, that'll happen when you enchant yer amps ta go past eleven. The Muggle feds showed up and there was trouble. Luckily the Aussie Minstry solved the problem by messin wit the Muggle's memories, but they still 'requested' that the band leave."

Alex fought hard not to laugh "Yeh, I heard about that! It was all over the papers for a while in Ireland. The Aussie's were furious about it! Speaking of which..." he added slightly more discreet "any gigs coming up in Ireland in the coming months? Just like to know" he added hastily looking around

After meeting Valentine an older kid came and asked him a question. "Not exactly, in fact beside the fact that we're somewhere in London I don't really know precisely where I am. Shouldn't you know where it is, or do they restructure the landscape on a day to day basis?" Marius replied with a faint touch of sarcastic peevishness. Despite, or perhaps because of, the fact that the older kid wore normal clothes it irked him, he was like that speed bump in the middle of a road where there shouldn't be one and didn't seem to fit. The fact that he also wore similar clothes didn't mean a thing.

About to add more, he saw his guide waving and added, "Well, got to get going, hope you find your book-store."

As Yuri walked away, he thought how he was little irked by the younger man's attitude, but he was used to that sort of sarcasm when he walked through these streets in Muggle clothing. It was a shame that his favorite book store closed last year and got turned into a fricken candy store. Ah well, he thought, that's the way the ball bounces.

After wandering for 30 more minutes (thank god for the electric watch), he finally found some bookstore, for he didn't bother to read the title. After buying the books he needed for all his classes, which left him with 'bout $150 in wizard money, decided to look around and find some interesting items.

As Yuri walked through the shop, he spied a section titled "Occult Lore". The sign was covered in cobwebs and the area had an unnatural feel to it or wrongness. He entered it and began searching the shelves. The shelves were also lined with dust and cobwebs. As he browsed, he discovered an interesting book entitled "The Necronomicon". It had a feel of evil surrounding it. Yuri contemplated over buying it than decided to get it, just for knowledge sake. Grabbing it, he took it to the old clerk along with and alchemy book (he paid for the other books already) at the front. The clerk's eyes darkened as he looked at the occult book. "This is dangerous knowledge,boy," Warned the elder. "you can lose your sanity over this." Yuri nodded. "Yes," He said carefully. "this is dangerous knowledge, but worth the risk." The cleark just shrugged and said. "That'll be $75." Yuri handed him the money and exited to walk to "Bucklebeard's Inn".

As he entered the inn he went up to the counter and asked. "How much for a room?" The keep looked up from cleaning a glass and responded. "16 sickles." Yuri shrugged and paid for his room. The man made a gesture with his head towards the stairs. "Right, room 37, you're next to another kid. Enjoy." Yuri then asked. "Got any vodka?" The Keep looked at him. "Your under age, but I'll give you a bottle for... 2 galleons." Yuri frowned. The keep quickly said. "Import, from Russia." Yuri spoke. "Expensive, but worth it." He took the bottle and gave the man his galleons. Yuri warned. "This better be Russian, 'cause I'll know if it isn't.

Yuri sat down in a chair nearby and started drinking is vodka, wondering if he will see other kids.

Alex fought hard not to laugh "Yeh, I heard about that! It was all over the papers for a while in Ireland. The Aussie's were furious about it! Speaking of which..." he added slightly more discreet "any gigs coming up in Ireland in the coming months? Just like to know" he added hastily looking around

Aggy thought for a moment, "Erm, I dunno. There might be a slight problem after Wizapalooza in '73."

Aggy was referring to an incident that had occured when Wizapalooza (the annual wizarding world rock festival) was held near Blarney Castle in Ireland. Toil 'N' Trouble had of course headlined the concert, and it was one of their more infamous shows. Apart from the general loudness and lewd conduct, the band had brought a live dragon to appear on the stage with them. Of course the dragon got loose and destroyed the castle and the surrounding gardens, as well as attacked several small Irish towns. No one was killed luckily, and the Irish Ministry was quick to respond, rebuilding the castle and whatnot, but they had "requested" that Toil 'N' Trouble stay away from Ireland until further notice.

John Henry walked around Strayt Way, hoping to meet some other students, he bought some chocolate frogs for a small snack, he then wandered around Strayt Way, hoping to find someone from his own house.

Alex shrugged "Fair enough. I guess I could get over to England or the rest of the UK should need be to see them" he smiled "I've never actually seen a live concert from them. I hear they are real 'showstoppers" He remembered his Father talking about them. he had described them as a nuclear missile disguised with long hair and base guitars. His Father had never been a fan of modern music. Alex remained focused on the thought of his Father, the way he always did before shaking his head and continuing "Returning to the UK soon I hope"

Tobias walked out of a small shop after finishing the last of his shopping. He was stowing a small bag of quills when he saw John. "Hey, long time no see! How's the summer treating you?"

Alex shrugged "Fair enough. I guess I could get over to England or the rest of the UK should need be to see them" he smiled "I've never actually seen a live concert from them. I hear they are real 'showstoppers" He remembered his Father talking about them. he had described them as a nuclear missile disguised with long hair and base guitars. His Father had never been a fan of modern music. Alex remained focused on the thought of his Father, the way he always did before shaking his head and continuing "Returning to the UK soon I hope"

"Yeh, but when ya seen 'em so many times, you kinda get used to it." Aggy smiled, "What about you? I knew ya was in that Dueling Club at school, but what about these competitions?"

Tobias walked out of a small shop after finishing the last of his shopping. He was stowing a small bag of quills when he saw John. "Hey, long time no see! How's the summer treating you?"

John grinned and said "Great, I got to fly a jet this summer!, or ride in one, my dad let me build my own homebuilt jet!, and my uncle owns a candy factory too, it's rather enchanted though.. I nearly got attack by his "Chocolate Griffins.." Which hurt a bit, luckily the talons are enchanted though.."

John grinned and said "Great, I got to fly a jet this summer!, or ride in one, my dad let me build my own homebuilt jet!, and my uncle owns a candy factory too, it's rather enchanted though.. I nearly got attack by his "Chocolate Griffins.." Which hurt a bit, luckily the talons are enchanted though.."

"Sounds better than my summer." Tobias chuckled. "My mum blew the kitchen apart again. And by apart, I mean that the sink landed in the pub across town. Wait a minute. Aren't jet's a muggle creation?"

"Sounds better than my summer." Tobias chuckled. "My mum blew the kitchen apart again. And by apart, I mean that the sink landed in the pub across town. Wait a minute. Aren't jet's a muggle creation?"

John nodded and said "But Tobias, I used magic to assemble the jet, and guess what?, it flew!, I modeled it after a Cessna Citation jet, so I have a 1.8 million Jet for only 60,000 galleons worth of jet parts.."

"Yeh, but when ya seen 'em so many times, you kinda get used to it." Aggy smiled, "What about you? I knew ya was in that Dueling Club at school, but what about these competitions?"

Alex thought back to the competitions over the summer "Well, there was the Belfast Open for both Professionals and Under-18's. Me and me Ma both entered it. She came 4th in the Professional Catagory and I came 6th in the under-18 catagory" he said this part as he swelled with pride "I was beaten by some French Kid. He was a hell of a lot faster than he looked" Alex admitted, thinking of his defeat "Ma was beaten by Vanek Taljat from Hungary. Other than that it was just local competitions" he finished shrugging "Good for experience though" he added after a little thought.

John nodded and said "But Tobias, I used magic to assemble the jet, and guess what?, it flew!, I modeled it after a Cessna Citation jet, so I have a 1.8 million Jet for only 60,000 galleons worth of jet parts.."

Tobias whistled. "That's some price drop. And I'm guessing you got the money from your parent's bank vault?"

Alex thought back to the competitions over the summer "Well, there was the Belfast Open for both Professionals and Under-18's. Me and me Ma both entered it. She came 4th in the Professional Catagory and I came 6th in the under-18 catagory" he said this part as he swelled with pride "I was beaten by some French Kid. He was a hell of a lot faster than he looked" Alex admitted, thinking of his defeat "Ma was beaten by Vanek Taljat from Hungary. Other than that it was just local competitions" he finished shrugging "Good for experience though" he added after a little thought.

"Noice!" Aggy said, and patted Alex on the back. He was surprised he never talked to Alex before, he was a pretty cool cat.

"So why you here mate?" Aggy inquired, gesturing to the owl shop around them, "You gettin an owl? I already got one, Gandalf. I'm just here to get him a new cage for the school year, them wankers poo so much, his old one is ruined .

Tobias whistled. "That's some price drop. And I'm guessing you got the money from your parent's bank vault?"

John said "Yeah, I did, Dad says I get to keep it. The Ministry of Magic however, made me get a "Muggle Aerovehicluar License" for it, but now I just transfigure it into any jet I feel like flying."

OOC: Syl, what house is Tobias in?

Angela looked around Strayt way; its bustling nature had a culture all of its own; the first time you come here it’s a real shock. She remembered her first time here buying a wand, magic books, robes, herbs for potions but Angela was a veteran now who knew the ins and outs of the place and could navigate it like a pro. Ironically she'd discovered a skill in creating potions and got A's the last 4 years in a row even though she hated it with a passion and only took the damn course because it was a mandatory subject. Still she'd opted to take a few interesting classes this year; hoping to add Curses and advanced magical studies to her list of classes but she had yet to take the entrance exams for those classes so there was no sure fire way of getting in.

Angela headed for one of the bookshops; her favourite actually; a place called "Wraiths"; Angela loved to read ever since an early age and was a total book worm until her second year at Exeter when she started to become more extroverted. Learning to cook and taking more advanced flying lessons slowly become the life of any party granted it had also earned her somewhat a reputation but Angela was a thrill seeker despite this though she still loved to indulge in her love of books. She was about to enter the bookshop dressed in her usual Crimson T-shirt and jeans; it matched her copper orange hair and she liked the colour red. Instantly she recognised one of her friends from the earlier year across the way in Figs Owl Supplies so she ran out to greet her; "HEY NAT!" she called out attempting to take the girl into a tight hug


"I'm a 4th year in Broc," Natalie said to Aggy before she turned around at her name being called.

Angela was running up just as Nat had barely turned around, getting engulfed by Angela's hug. Angela wasn't in Natalie's house-she was in Titanus to Nat's Broc-but the two girls had got along well in the previous year, Nat's third at the school.

"Heeeyy, Angela," Nat said with a smile, sharing the embrace with the older girl. "I haven't seen you all summer."

She was excited to be back with her magical friends. Back to the days of playing Quidditch for the Broc house team and casting spells in Defensive Magic class-though Nat always has slight reservations in leaving the real world to return to the realm of magic, it was always good once she got back here.

John said "Yeah, I did, Dad says I get to keep it. The Ministry of Magic however, made me get a "Muggle Aerovehicluar License" for it, but now I just transfigure it into any jet I feel like flying."

OOC: Syl, what house is Tobias in?

The grin on Tobias' face spread at that comment. "The ministry does tend to do that. But it does sound like it would be fun." he glanced at his watch "What do you say we head to the inn down the street? It's getting fairly late."

OOC: Same as John, Emantrico.

The grin on Tobias' face spread at that comment. "The ministry does tend to do that. But it does sound like it would be fun." he glanced at his watch "What do you say we head to the inn down the street? It's getting fairly late."

OOC: Same as John, Emantrico.

OOC: Cool, just curious..

IC:
John smiled and said "Yep, I say we head down to the inn, eat dinner and retire to our rooms.." He and Tobias walked down the street and he said "My father is not a pure blood fanatic, but my mother is, but she wasn't always one, my dad says something happened to change her views, but he won't talk about it.."

I am sorry Calizorinstan, but that is just a bit ridiculous.

A) Why the hell would you bring a jet into the story?
B) You really just tossed away $600,000 on something like that when wizards would never want it?
C) You can't just put together a jet because you can use magic... you still need to know how everything fits together and works.
D) No, the Ministry would confiscate it, not make you get a license... you're a kid.

1. I just came up with that for a joke...
2. He never did, he was just teasing really..
3. I figured that out..
D. Stupid Ministry, but ah well

Sorry DMG, I was just carried away a bit..


IC:
John smiled and said "I was just joking about the Jet Tobias, but I did acquire a Firebolt over the holidays, and some Quidditch armor too.."

OOC: Cool, just curious..

IC:
John smiled and said "Yep, I say we head down to the inn, eat dinner and retire to our rooms.." He and Tobias walked down the street and he said "My father is not a pure blood fanatic, but my mother is, but she wasn't always one, my dad says something happened to change her views, but he won't talk about it.."

As they entered the inn, Tobias replied, "That's strange. But you'd think that at the very least he would give you some kind of glimpse at an explanation. And I guessed as much about that stupid muggle flight fantasy you're always jabbering about. We should drop our stuff off first." He turned to the inkeeper. "Two rooms please."
"That's 34 sickles." He stated.
Tobias turned over his half then looked at John. "You heard the man, 17 sickles a room."

"Noice!" Aggy said, and patted Alex on the back. He was surprised he never talked to Alex before, he was a pretty cool cat.

"So why you here mate?" Aggy inquired, gesturing to the owl shop around them, "You gettin an owl? I already got one, Gandalf. I'm just here to get him a new cage for the school year, them wankers poo so much, his old one is ruined .

"Yeah" Alex said looking into the shop "I need a new Owl, my old one had 'retired' due to old age so now I need to find a young one to take his place. I reckoned I could find one in here" he indicated to the shop. He looked at Natalie for a second "Either of you care to help me pick?"

As they entered the inn, Tobias replied, "That's strange. But you'd think that at the very least he would give you some kind of glimpse at an explanation. And I guessed as much about that stupid muggle flight fantasy you're always jabbering about. We should drop our stuff off first." He turned to the inkeeper. "Two rooms please."
"That's 34 sickles." He stated.
Tobias turned over his half then looked at John. "You heard the man, 17 sickles a room."

John took out 17 sickles and said "Now that we've paid for our rooms, I wonder where a good restaurant is.."

Angela smiled quite happily; it was good to be back; though the family business kept her busy and with magic in the real world it wasn't quite the same as being here; Natalie was what Angela considered a best friend. Even though they were in two different houses which made it difficult sometimes and made Angela wish the clock had saw fit to put her in the house she wanted instead of the house that was best for her; but the two made it work somehow. Holding the hug for a little longer before releasing her friend

"I know, I know!" Angela 'squeed' "how was your summer in California? I swear I'm going to come visit you next year." Angela said with a smile; she noticed the sudden…hostility from the boy next to her; transfer student; must be a transfer student; granted she never paid attention to everyone in her class but she couldn't remember seeing him about before at all. "Sorry for interrupting" Angela hurried out; "Sometimes I get so excited; I just can't contain myself", she said with mock angst in her voice and holding her hands over her chest dramatically.

"Yeah" Alex said looking into the shop "I need a new Owl, my old one had 'retired' due to old age so now I need to find a young one to take his place. I reckoned I could find one in here" he indicated to the shop. He looked at Natalie for a second "Either of you care to help me pick?"

"Depends what you're looking for," Nat said, removing herself from Angela for a minute. "That's a big and strong one if you're looking for lifting a lot of things," -she indicated a Eurasian Eagle Owl looking as if it wanted to maim something- "but I think I like that one. He's cute. Or maybe she."

Natalie pointed at a Northern Spotted Owl, looking a bit less tough, but in Nat's eyes, simply adorable. She had never had a pet before, and looking at the owl, now she wanted it. She had plenty of money on hand-the American dollar worked well against the wizard money when she had made an exchange coming in to Strayt Way-and she didn't figure much of a better way to spend it.

Angela smiled quite happily; it was good to be back; though the family business kept her busy and with magic in the real world it wasn't quite the same as being here; Natalie was what Angela considered a best friend. Even though they were in two different houses which made it difficult sometimes and made Angela wish the clock had saw fit to put her in the house she wanted instead of the house that was best for her; but the two made it work somehow. Holding the hug for a little longer before releasing her friend

"I know, I know!" Angela 'squeed' "how was your summer in California? I swear I'm going to come visit you next year." Angela said with a smile; she noticed the sudden…hostility from the boy next to her; transfer student; must be a transfer student; granted she never paid attention to everyone in her class but she couldn't remember seeing him about before at all. "Sorry for interrupting" Angela hurried out; "Sometimes I get so excited; I just can't contain myself", she said with mock angst in her voice and holding her hands over her chest dramatically.

Natalie giggled slightly, turning back from Alex towards Angela.

"Summer's been fun," she said, summing up things pretty much in three words. "You need to come out. We could pay for it and all...my family'd be glad to have you out in Cali. Sunny, nice people and beaches and everything...you don't even have to really do anything and still enjoy it. I'm just excited to be back and the school year going to start soon...not really sure what's in store, but I still want to find out."

More of a rush than anything came over Nat temporarily talking with her friend from the previous year once more. It was almost like a high, taking over her-no matter that Alex was talking owls. She was back in the magical world and ready to have some more fun, learn, whatever it was.

Al had waited for this day since the end of the Term last year. Now it was finally upon him.(I am guessing that WOM has a floo network correct?) As he stood in front of The Massive solid Marble Fireplace in his manor he could not help but feel excited for what was to come. Al had waited all summer to duel some Measly little First year who got in his way. He had waited all summer to try-out for this years quiditch team & now it was finally upon him. As he stepped into the Fireplace a midst bright Green Flames, he shouted Where he wanted to go: "Strayt Way!" and was sucked into the Flames. After whooshing past row upon rows of Fire Places, he was pulled towards on Particular one. He could see The Broom Stick shop ahead in which he came flying into head-long.

He quickly got up and began dusting himself off. He looked around the shop and saw loads upon loads of Broom Sticks Mounted on the walls of the Shop like shot-guns. He knew of course that he would not be able to buy one yet he would have to make a stop at the bank.

After withdrawing a huge sum of money from his parents bank account, he turned and made his way to the book store in search of his books. After Purchasing all of his textbook's and a couple of others that caught his eye like: "The Worlds Encyclopedia of Deathly Curses", he made his way to the Potion Store where he bought a New Cauldron.

Two Hours later Al was hauling around a new Cauldron with his other supplies inside including an Owl and a New Broom Stick. The Cauldron was very heavy so finally after many futile attempts of hauling around the thing he said screw this, dropped the Cauldron on the Ground and ordered his Mother to Levitate the thing behind them (as he is still underage). He set off with his Mother and his supplies towards a more darker area of Strayt Way.

Alex was about to say something to Nat before she turned around and began to speak to Angela again. It was the sort of Rapid Machine fire talk that Alex knew was unpeneterable. He could talk to the cat for all the good it's do him.

He peered at the Eurasian Owl "I like a challenge" he said to the rather villianous looking owl "I'll take him, do I get a warranty that he won't bite my finger off for at least 6 months?" he asked the Woman at the counter politely.

Victor Lockhart was a handsome boy with some talents that could take him to great heights, but at the moment he still had one more year of school to finish. Luckily, for someone with such aspirations, he had managed to somehow be a 7th year who had just turned 17, a year early. It wasn't for his great intelligence or skill in classes like his brother, nor because he was becoming slightly well known in the circles that were actually in the know (Quidditch prospect and Junior Champion Duelist), it was just one of those things that had happened. His parents might have known why, but he never asked and they never offered.

However, despite not being eighteen yet, his parents saw him as a responsible mature brother who was soon to graduate Exeter. Thus they allowed him to travel on his own to Strayt Away to gather some school supplies - not that he wanted any nor would he spend much time on looking for them. Even more so, they gave him the responsibility of taking his little sister Valentine along with him.

He had just come out of the bookstore with both of their class books for the year (those of his would probably barely be creased by the end), when he saw his little sister talking to someone and called her over. Victor could hear her mockingly say to the girl that her "mom" was calling. It was a joke. They had a good relationship; a normal older-brother to young-sister caring relationship, though they were not immune to being a bit annoying or mocking at times. But Victor really did care about her and would never honestly do something to intentionally harm her; in turn, though, she was one of the only people that could actually prod him about not being good at Quidditch or Dueling, of which obviously neither was true.

So they walked from shop to shop, looking into the windows and occasionally stopping to pick up something they needed or wanted. Unfortunately, though pureblood, they were not of any well known lineage - at least none that they knew of as their lineage was quite indecipherable - and had little in the way of funds. They grew up in humble settings on a farm, but it would never last for Victor. He had greatness on his mind. Luckily, with greatness came a few galleons and gifts. For being a talented Quidditch seeker and rising star with some professional teams scouting him, he had been "gifted" some nice equipment including an otherwise unaffordable broomstick. And for winning numerous Dueling tournaments as well as being a Champion Duelist, he had received a number of galleons to spend as he wishes.

With a little jingle in his pocket and bag-of-holding over his shoulder, he and his sister entered a shop called Te'Loure's Magical Artifacts - not that they were artifacts so much as every day magical objects - and began looking around...

John took out 17 sickles and said "Now that we've paid for our rooms, I wonder where a good restaurant is.."

A thoughtful look crossed Tobias' face. "Well, there's a nice little muggle italian place about a block away from the Strayt Way entrance. There's this very inn. The tavern we entered through. Oh, and the various little specialty shops scattered everywhere."

After Finally Gathering all of his Supplies(including a few Recreational Items that some would beleive not fit for school) Al & his mother made their way back to the Inn. It was a long tradition in the Draco Line that after all of ones supplies have been gathered they were to stay at the Inn. Of course if Mrs. Draco had anything to say about it she would insist that Al stay at home. Of course Al and his father had argued about it for Nearly a week. Finally they had one the Argument.

Angela nodded enthusiastically "Definitely; but only if you come to Ireland too and don't worry about cost and stuff; my family can afford it " her accent slipping through; Her accent was strange; her mother was French; her father pure southern Irish; her accent was like a mash of the two. She noticed Natalie looking at the owl; "You looking at getting an owl?" she asked off hand.

Angela looked around at the various owls; there were certainly a lot to choose from; Angela herself was drawn to the snowy owl's there was just something...pure about them. Angela laughed at Alex; "just don't poke him and he'll be fine; got to let him get used to you and stuff" Angela said with a nod though not a an expert on owls some things were basic with all animals; if you wanted it to trust you; you had to earn it; "because trust is earned not given freely, just like people" she added seriously.

A thoughtful look crossed Tobias' face. "Well, there's a nice little muggle italian place about a block away from the Strayt Way entrance. There's this very inn. The tavern we entered through. Oh, and the various little specialty shops scattered everywhere."

John nodded and said "Yep, I think we should go there Tobias..."

Angela nodded enthusiastically "Definitely; but only if you come to Ireland too and don't worry about cost and stuff; my family can afford it " her accent slipping through; Her accent was strange; her mother was French; her father pure southern Irish; her accent was like a mash of the two. She noticed Natalie looking at the owl; "You looking at getting an owl?" she asked off hand.

Angela looked around at the various owls; there were certainly a lot to choose from; Angela herself was drawn to the snowy owl's there was just something...pure about them. Angela laughed at Alex; "just don't poke him and he'll be fine; got to let him get used to you and stuff" Angela said with a nod though not a an expert on owls some things were basic with all animals; if you wanted it to trust you; you had to earn it; "because trust is earned not given freely, just like people" she added seriously.

"Ireland sounds fun," Nic said, "besides here in Britain, I've only been to Asia...haven't really been around Europe. Mexico doesn't really count...nor does Nebraska," she added jokingly.

"Owls, yeah. I've never had a pet-I think it'd be fun," she replied. "Personally, I think this one's cute," pointing at the Spotted Owl. The Californian girl in her was coming out now observing the animals-she had somewhat of a rapport for them, even becoming slightly flustered when she accidently killed a larger bug. Ants were fine, however...especially since they ran rampant all over the countryside of SC.

John nodded and said "Yep, I think we should go there Tobias..."

"Um, where exactly is 'there'?" Tobias asked as they walked down the hallway from depositing their belongings in their rooms.

"Um, where exactly is 'there'?" Tobias asked as they walked down the hallway from depositing their belongings in their rooms.

John said "Ooops, I meant the Italian Restaurant, sorry Tobias.., I sure hope that the Dracos will not cause too much trouble this year.."

John said "Ooops, I meant the Italian Restaurant, sorry Tobias.., I sure hope that the Dracos will not cause too much trouble this year.."

"Well, come on then. I guess we'd better stop at the bank to get some Muggle money, unless you've got some. As for the Dracos, it's in their nature to cause trouble. It's like night and day, it's GOING to happen no matter how hard you try to prevent it.

Yuri, putting away his half finished vodka, walked out of the inn into the street. He felt himself a little tipsy but was other wise okay. He walked around, looking at various shops and wares till he walked into a owlery. It must of been odd, seeing this young man stumbling a little like he was semi-drunk. After entering the shop, he saw a young man and a girl looking at the Owls, he walked over and tapped the boy on the shoulder.

"Hey mac," He rasped, the fiery burn of vodka still in his throat. "what owl would you recommend that you've seen for mail?"

OOC: Nic thats you.

"Ireland sounds fun," Nic said, "besides here in Britain, I've only been to Asia...haven't really been around Europe. Mexico doesn't really count...nor does Nebraska," she added jokingly.

"Owls, yeah. I've never had a pet-I think it'd be fun," she replied. "Personally, I think this one's cute," pointing at the Spotted Owl. The Californian girl in her was coming out now observing the animals-she had somewhat of a rapport for them, even becoming slightly flustered when she accidently killed a larger bug. Ants were fine, however...especially since they ran rampant all over the countryside of SC.

"You going to Ireland?" Alex asked over the rattling of his new owl against the bars of it's cage "I don't advise you go to the North during the winter, you'll get washed out. Hmmm..." This last statement was to the struggling owl "May have bitten off more than I can chew" he admitted sadly.

"Well, come on then. I guess we'd better stop at the bank to get some Muggle money, unless you've got some. As for the Dracos, it's in their nature to cause trouble. It's like night and day, it's GOING to happen no matter how hard you try to prevent it.

John nodded and they made for the nearest Muggle Bank and he said "I've been reading alot of Muggle History books over the Holidays, but my mother found me reading them, and destroyed them in front of my eyes, so I responded with pranking her sink to regurgitate water..."

John nodded and they made for the nearest Muggle Bank and he said "I've been reading alot of Muggle History books over the Holidays, but my mother found me reading them, and destroyed them in front of my eyes, so I responded with pranking her sink to regurgitate water..."

OOC: Wouldn't they need to go to the WIZARDING bank? I doubt the local muggle bank would recognize a galleon if it danced naked in front of them.

IC:"Wow." Tobias was stunned at this. "I wonder if that has anything to do with her new hatred of muggleborns..."

OOC: Wouldn't they need to go to the WIZARDING bank? I doubt the local muggle bank would recognize a galleon if it danced naked in front of them.

IC:"Wow." Tobias was stunned at this. "I wonder if that has anything to do with her new hatred of muggleborns..."

OOC: Duh, sorry about that..

IC:

As they approached the wizarding bank, John said "Yeah, my whole family, my uncle and cousins and aunts are pure blood fanatics, they're rather shocked that I wasn't a Draco, everyone in my family has been.."

"It's gotta be better than San Diego with the Santa Anas," Nat replied with a smile, "anything over dust storms and more fires. Frankly, I think I could use a little rain."

As she was saying this, some half-drunk stooge walked into the shop, apparently aimlessly wandering. Bizarre, as she believed most wizards to have more self control than the average drunk. This one seemed exceptionally strange, going around as if paranoid and tapping people on their shoulders. Why was unknown, but he certainly seemed out of it as he grunted something about owl mail. As if the guy had enough money to buy an owl-he was probaly a homeless begger simply looking for more money to spend on beer.

OOC: Duh, sorry about that..

IC:

As they approached the wizarding bank, John said "Yeah, my whole family, my uncle and cousins and aunts are pure blood fanatics, they're rather shocked that I wasn't a Draco, everyone in my family has been.."

They entered the bank and walked down the long hallway of tellers. He quietly continued to talk though. "I for one am glad you're not. You may be a year younger, but you still provide a constant source of entertainment when the girls shoot you down. Here, someone's open."

They entered the bank and walked down the long hallway of tellers. He quietly continued to talk though. "I for one am glad you're not. You may be a year younger, but you still provide a constant source of entertainment when the girls shoot you down. Here, someone's open."

John walked up to the teller and produced 10 Galleons and said "Could we have this converted to Muggle currency please?"

John walked up to the teller and produced 10 Galleons and said "Could we have this converted to Muggle currency please?"

The tall chair turned around. They had gotten one of the few human tellers. She promptly deposited the galleons in a small slot behind the counter and produced a few old bills. She counted them before saying "Here you go. NEXT!"

IC:

As they walked John said "I am glad we got a human, I feel alot more comfortable dealing with a human then a goblin.."

"You'll be great with it; you should get it" Angela said to Natalie about the owl with a smile full confidence in her friends abilities to raise it; "Plus its kind of cute; suits you" Angela said poking out her tongue flirty.

"Irelands no where near as bad as Scotland for rain" she said matter of factly spotting the drunken young man heading towards them. Angela inwardly cringed; the normally energetic girl went very quiet praying to any god that would listen hoping that the guy didn't notice her. she didn't know the man but generally she did not have a good record with drunken men; they usually either tried to feel her up or throw up on her; either was not fun.

"I think earthquakes are the most scary thing about america" Angela said with a nod.

IC:

As they walked John said "I am glad we got a human, I feel alot more comfortable dealing with a human then a goblin.."

Tobias laughed. "Who doesn't? Some of them are just plain mean, but there are a couple that are really nice." They walked down the street, toward the tavern that concealed the entrance to this world from the muggles.

"Irelands no where near as bad as Scotland for rain" she said matter of factly spotting the drunken young man heading towards them. Angela inwardly cringed; the normally energetic girl went very quiet praying to any god that would listen hoping that the guy didn't notice her. she didn't know the man but generally she did not have a good record with drunken men; they usually either tried to feel her up or throw up on her; either was not fun.

"I think earthquakes are the most scary thing about america" Angela said with a nod.

Alex nodded in agreement "I've been washed out more than once in Scotland" he said before noticing a rather wasted individual swaying down the street "Hmmm" he said looking at his watch before looking up at the sky then looking back at the boy "Bit early in the day for his kind don't ye think?" he asked pointing to the boy. "Shame, better to do it at night, then you're just one of a crowd" he smiled

Tobias laughed. "Who doesn't? Some of them are just plain mean, but there are a couple that are really nice." They walked down the street, toward the tavern that concealed the entrance to this world from the muggles.

John said to Tobias "I wonder if there might be an evil wizard that might try to take over the world one of these days.."

Rafzekael exited the inn and saw a drunk kid staggering down the street. He shook and his head and muttered something like "Half blood rubbish." He looked around for a half-decent restaurant.

Aggy took a look at the drunk kid and smiled.

"Hey mate, share the wealth!" he catcalled. Aggy loved drunks, he loved talking to them, playing pranks on them, and of course being one. In fact, he could use some alcohol right now...

"Hey everyone, wanna continue this conversation at the pub down the street?" he gestured, "I know this place pretty well, me an' me mates come here a lot." As he was saying this, he pulled out a cigarello out of his pants pocket and inserted it into his mouth.

Al Stalked the Halls of the Inn looking for someone to complain to about "That Disgusting Muggle Candy Shop".

Rafzekael swore and walked back in.
"Theres not a bloody decent restaurant around this place that doesn't sell bloody muggle food." He sat down at a table and ordered a beer.

John said to Tobias "I wonder if there might be an evil wizard that might try to take over the world one of these days.."

Tobias' face fell. "I don't have complete faith in the Ministry, but something like that is just out of the question." They left the tavern and were in the muggle world. It wasn't long before they reached the restaurant and were ordering their meals.

Tobias' face fell. "I don't have complete faith in the Ministry, but something like that is just out of the question." They left the tavern and were in the muggle world. It wasn't long before they reached the restaurant and were ordering their meals.

John said smiling as he ordered himself a pepperoni and olive pizza "It could happen though, I think it won't happen for a while. How was your summer Tobias?"

Aggy took a look at the drunk kid and smiled.

"Hey mate, share the wealth!" he catcalled. Aggy loved drunks, he loved talking to them, playing pranks on them, and of course being one. In fact, he could use some alcohol right now...

"Hey everyone, wanna continue this conversation at the pub down the street?" he gestured, "I know this place pretty well, me an' me mates come here a lot." As he was saying this, he pulled out a cigarello out of his pants pocket and inserted it into his mouth.

Yuri stared at the kid with a cigarette. "I'm not drunk," he protested. "just had a little bit." He grinned and pulled the vodka bottle halfway out. "Show me the pub," He laughed. "for we ruskies can take quite a bit." He bowed towards the girl saying "Honor to meet you," He said holding out his hand to shake. "I'm Yuri. You are?"

OOC: Directed to either one.

Victor perused the shop aimlessly for a few minutes. There wasn't much else to do in Strayt Way. Victor already had his cauldron from years past and Valentine was going to use one of the numerous family ones that sat around in the storage shed out back; no point in buying a new one when they had so many that were out of use. They already had a typical barn owl to use for correspondence, which they would unfortunately have to share, but it wouldn't be much of bother because Victor generally didn't send out letters; but boy did he receive a few. Victor's mother had merely used a spell to slightly enlarge his robes so that they fit his new frame that had grown over the course of the summer, while she had taken the measurements for Valentine's and sent them ahead to the robe shop; the duo had already swung by and quickly picked them up, though while there, Victor strongly thought about perhaps going back and getting a new pair of nice dress robes - he'd need a good pair for pictures when he became famous, he figured. Books, well he had already picked those up for the both of them, and the lord knew how many his twin brother had stashed at home if they ever wanted a read. Same with quills, parchments, and other purely academic supplies... those his twin had piles of that they could snatch a few of before packing up. A wand, the most important of everything in Strayt Way, had been selected for Valentine two years ago during the off-season when she began manifesting her magical abilities; better to get one early, her mother had decided, so that her powers didn't go out of control and wreak havoc on the farm.

There was a Quidditch store too, but he obviously didn't need any of that and he didn't expect that Valentine would be going out for the team - not with any skill at least. Everything he needed was his high quality broomstick that had been gifted too him, though it didn't hurt that they had given him some seeker's gloves and charmed weather goggles.

All that was left was to stop briefly at the lane's Apothecary for a couple of "ingredients." Other than that, once they were finished in the store, it would be time to head home...

Walking over to where Valentine was standing, he whispered dimly. "Find anything you want?"

"Ooh... aren't these little Pygmy Puffs so cute!" she said excitedly as she stood over a box of little pink and purple balls of fuzz. These particular ones were a breed of Puffskein that had been bred so that they were smaller and a better color.

"Well, mom said you can have one pet, so grab one and let's go..." he said kindly. She hesitated momentarily before picking what she thought was a particularly cuddly looking one.

They walked over to the counter, pushing past the throng of people in the items store. "Eighteen galleons..." the store owner said dryly; he was both excited by all the business this time of year and tired from working the register dawn to dusk, not to mention dealing with the hooligans and thieves.

"Eighteen!" Valentine responded with shock in her voice. "How could this little thing be eigh-"

Victor interrupted her as he pointed to the other two objects on the counter: a small rectangular box and a tiny glass bottle filled with multi-colored power. Slightly embarrassed, Val closed her open jaw and gave an apologetic look to the owner. Victor, in turn, thanked the man, scooped up the items as Val took the Puff, and led them out of the busy shop into the crowded street.

"Here..." he said, stopping for a moment and letting Val take a step by. Slipping the glass into one pocket, he opened the box in one hand and pulled out its contents with the over. It was a gold necklace with the word Valentine printed in golden-script at the front.

"Awww..." she cooed happily. "I have such a sweet older brother..."

John said smiling as he ordered himself a pepperoni and olive pizza "It could happen though, I think it won't happen for a while. How was your summer Tobias?"

Joseph ordered the Chicken Romano then looked back to John. "I don't think it's going to happen. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I don't think it's going to. Anyway. My summer was alright. Like I said, the barkeeper wasn't too happy. Mom's sink ruined her whole stock of Firewhiskey. Cheshire gets pretty empty during the summer though. Anything else happen to you over the summer?"

Joseph ordered the Chicken Romano then looked back to John. "I don't think it's going to happen. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I don't think it's going to. Anyway. My summer was alright. Like I said, the barkeeper wasn't too happy. Mom's sink ruined her whole stock of Firewhiskey. Cheshire gets pretty empty during the summer though. Anything else happen to you over the summer?"

John said "Oh, some prankster broke into our house, and caused all of the toilets contents to regurgitate, and Mom blamed it on me again..., I ran away this summer to a very good friends house in York.."

Maruis' escort had helped him finish getting all his stuff together and gotten him home for the short period before the students got to catch the train to take them to the academy, leaving word that she'd be by to take him to the station. His parents had gotten many pamphlets and papers detailing the virtues and courses of the school, of course obscured to an extent and had forgotten them due to a memory charm implanted within the words.

Marius had spent a few days reading the books but had quickly lost interest or all thier magical and interesting nature. Most of his time had been spend in the parks and 'forests' that were as far as he was concerned was much closer to his natural enviroment than a suburban street.

The day the train left his parents had fussed and made sure he was dressed nice and neat, and then sent him off with the school representative who gave him a bit of a proceedure by the time they reached the train station, such as the fact that they, the students, need to change by the time the train reached its destination, the method of reaching the secret platform and the fact that if in doubt, ask the seniors.

John said "Oh, some prankster broke into our house, and caused all of the toilets contents to regurgitate, and Mom blamed it on me again..., I ran away this summer to a very good friends house in York.."

"Well," started Tobias. "You DID do it fifteen times last summer. Did you at least figure out who did it?"

"Well," started Tobias. "You DID do it fifteen times last summer. Did you at least figure out who did it?"

John rolled his eyes and said "Yeah, it was a neighbor across the way, who is a wizard.., he specializes in pranking unsuspecting individuals.."

John rolled his eyes and said "Yeah, it was a neighbor across the way, who is a wizard.., he specializes in pranking unsuspecting individuals.."

Garreth overheard that line while passing by. "Hey there, where? Which Wizard?" Garreth asked, "by the way, what house you from?"

Garreth overheard that line while passing by. "Hey there, where? Which Wizard?" Garreth asked, "by the way, what house you from?"

John said "I am from Northern Yorkshire, I've been to Scotland a couple times though, been to Poland, Russia, Germany and other places. My father works at the Ministry as an auror.."

John said "I am from Northern Yorkshire, I've been to Scotland a couple times though, been to Poland, Russia, Germany and other places. My father works at the Ministry as an auror.."

"Intresting... intresting indeed." said Garreth, "by the way, im Garreth Bale and im from Emantrico, Son of a Pureblooded father and muggle mother. Im born in Leeds by the way, good to hear from someone from the North, not very far apart from each other are we? By the way what year you're in?"

"Intresting... intresting indeed." said Garreth, "by the way, im Garreth Bale and im from Emantrico, Son of a Pureblooded father and muggle mother. Im born in Leeds by the way, good to hear from someone from the North, not very far apart from each other are we? By the way what year you're in?"

John said "4th Year, I am also from Emantrico, my name is John Arnold, and here is my friend Tobias.."

John said "4th Year, I am also from Emantrico, my name is John Arnold, and here is my friend Tobias.."

"WoW, very intresting indeed, 4th year for me too. Looks like we might be sharing the same rooms in our stay in Exeter Academy of Magic. Well sell you around!" said Garreth before he walked away.

Tobias, now nearly finished with his pasta, looked to John. "I'm surprised you didn't know him any better than that. After all, you should have been sharing the same dorm room for the past three years."

Tobias, now nearly finished with his pasta, looked to John. "I'm surprised you didn't know him any better than that. After all, you should have been sharing the same dorm room for the past three years."

Garreth overheard and walked back telling Tobias, " Doesn't mean we are in the same house and year, doesn't mean we will had been sharing the same dorm." "By the way, where you get that? Thats pasta aint it?" asked Garreth, like he had nevery seen 'Pasta' before.

Garreth overheard and walked back telling Tobias, " Doesn't mean we are in the same house and year, doesn't mean we will had been sharing the same dorm." "By the way, where you get that? Thats pasta aint it?" asked Garreth, like he had nevery seen 'Pasta' before.

John said "I've seen you at the school before.."

John said "I've seen you at the school before.."

"Hmm, didn't see you really, I was always sitting in front for class, probally you were sitting behind." said Garreth. "By the way, im currently lodging in Bucklebeard's Inn, can't wait for the train ride."

"Hmm, didn't see you really, I was always sitting in front for class, probally you were sitting behind." said Garreth. "By the way, im currently lodging in Bucklebeard's Inn, can't wait for the train ride."

Tobias just stared at him. "You just said you're in Emantrico though. That means the three of us are in the same house. Wait, you've NEVER seen pasta before? You're in an Italian restaurant and you've never seen angel-hair pasta. Wow. Anyway, we're at the same inn and I think we're all anxious for the train ride."

"You'll be great with it; you should get it" Angela said to Natalie about the owl with a smile full confidence in her friends abilities to raise it; "Plus its kind of cute; suits you" Angela said poking out her tongue flirty.

"Irelands no where near as bad as Scotland for rain" she said matter of factly spotting the drunken young man heading towards them. Angela inwardly cringed; the normally energetic girl went very quiet praying to any god that would listen hoping that the guy didn't notice her. she didn't know the man but generally she did not have a good record with drunken men; they usually either tried to feel her up or throw up on her; either was not fun.

"I think earthquakes are the most scary thing about america" Angela said with a nod.

"Earthquakes really aren't that bad," Nat said, still looking into the owl's cage. "It's only the big ones that cause stuff, and they don't come around all too much. Fires are a lot scarier, especially when they get out of control in the desert climate and the hot winds are blowing. Then you start getting a little nervous." She smiled slightly after the last word-natural disasters were a bit of an overlooked thought in Southern California-after all, worrying about the USC-UCLA game or what was going on in the Senate about the latest "right wing conspiracy" was far more "important" in circles.

Natalie moved up towards the counter: "How much for the owl there?" she asked, pointing at the spotted owl.

"Four galleons and three sickels," the man behind the counter, a fairly gruff tone in his voice, replied. Probaly sick of business by now.

Nat shrugged, putting down the money for that and the cage-a total of six galleons and eight sickels. It wasn't horribly expensive, considering it was an animal. After completing the transaction, she walked over to the owl, staring into the cage.

"I guess I'll name him later," she said.

"Better to name an Owl immediately" Alex began while still struggling with his own "responds better that way I've heard" He looked back at his own new owl, which was still putting up one hell of a fight to break out of it's cage "I think I'll call this one Beast" he smiled and held up the rattling cage "All hail the Beast! It suits him don't you think?"

After stopping at the local Apothecary to pick up a few "ingredients," Victor led little Valentine through the mobs of people and back towards the entrance of Strayt Way. Without any touch this time, the pathway revealed itself, and they exited the business district, reentering the wizard tavern.

Normally, Victor would just apparate himself from the tavern back to their home, but Valentine could not do so, neither magically nor legally. The next option he would have preferred was to fly, but in daylight, taking off and remaining unseen was a little bit difficult. Then there was the other quick, albeit unsettling, method of the floo network. Reassuring Valentine lightly, Victor took some powder out and tossed into the fire, pushing his sister in right before him...

---------

A couple of nights later, the final day of summer had arrived and kids all over the country had that mix of excitement for a new year and dread of the new year's work load. Riding to Seven King's Station by muggle taxi, the Lockhart parents waved goodbye to their son and daughter, wishing them good luck in their last year and first year of schooling, respectively.

Going through the magical barrier to the wizard's train platform was not something difficult for Valentine. She had been doing it for years while bidding Victor off, so off they went through the barrier. On the other side waited children and adults, getting ready to say goodbye. The Exeter Express was a beast of a train, constructed from wrought iron and black as night from end to end.

It was still a bit early; the train was not leaving for some time, but already kids were boarding to grab hold of an empty compartment. Victor, however, knew that finally he would get to sit in the nicer, roomier, 7th Years Only car at the front. "Right now," he said to Valentine as he touched her shoulder. "Off with you now and make some friends. If you need anything, I'll be around..."

Tobias, unusually early, passed through the barrier with ease. He was quickly followed by Michaela, Danlyssa, and the twins. For now, he would be the only one in his family attending the school. Their usual goodbye's took more time than usual seeing as they were ahead of schedule but finally Tobias was able to enter a car near the end of the train, an almost purely black cat at his heels. He stowed his luggage in an empty car as his family walked back through the barrier.

Tobias, unusually early, passed through the barrier with ease. He was quickly followed by Michaela, Danlyssa, and the twins. For now, he would be the only one in his family attending the school. Their usual goodbye's took more time than usual seeing as they were ahead of schedule but finally Tobias was able to enter a car near the end of the train, an almost purely black cat at his heels. He stowed his luggage in an empty car as his family walked back through the barrier.

John passed through the barrier with ease, he like Tobias had also been very early, and he and his father exchanged farewells as he boarded, and stowed his luggage in an medium filled car, and he walked to the back of the car to find Tobias, and he greeted him and said "Good morning Tobias.."

OOC: Syl, I've posted on the MKRP forum, just to let you know, no rush..

John passed through the barrier with ease, he like Tobias had also been very early, and he and his father exchanged farewells as he boarded, and stowed his luggage in an medium filled car, and he walked to the back of the car to find Tobias, and he greeted him and said "Good morning Tobias.."

OOC: Syl, I've posted on the MKRP forum, just to let you know, no rush..

"Hey John. I don't know about good. It's been hectic and insane and Dad's been driving us all nuts! What about you?"

OOC: I know. I'm subscribed to email updates, I just haven't gotten to it (too busy with French homework).

"Hey John. I don't know about good. It's been hectic and insane and Dad's been driving us all nuts! What about you?"

OOC: I know. I'm subscribed to email updates, I just haven't gotten to it (too busy with French homework).

John grinned and said "He thinks that I'd make a very good auror!, he is encouraging me, says I'll defeat dark wizards one day! I still think though that the Imperious Curse doesn't really fall under the Unforgivables though.."

John grinned and said "He thinks that I'd make a very good auror!, he is encouraging me, says I'll defeat dark wizards one day! I still think though that the Imperious Curse doesn't really fall under the Unforgivables though.."

Tobias just gaped at him. "First, who's 'he?' Second, I've seen your stunning spell. There's nothing stunning about it. Third, if I'm wrong saying that controlling someone is unforgivable, then I don't want to be right." Lilly, his cat, meowed as if to approve.

"Bye Mommy!" Samantha said to her mom at Seven Kings Station. Her things were already in her trunk and ready to be loaded onto the train. She was really early and would now wait for Derrick in there usual cart. "Bye Daddy!" She said giving him a hug.

"Dont have to much fun honey." Her dad said. "Remember, no muggle clothes!" He yelled as she waved good bye and got into the train. She turned and saw her mom smile. Samantha waved and to bug her dad she grabbed the handrail and leaned way out and ran her hand back through her blonde hair. She saw him take a step forwards and then bolted inside giggling to herself.

He'd had a bit of a struggle with passing through the barrier, what with the fact that all evidence had pointed most strongly to the contrary and the fact that he didn't really feel like looking like a complete fool when he bounced off the wall. Looking about at the other students and parents, he thought he spotted Valentine by the train. Putting his few bags onto the cart to be loaded he hurried throught the crowd to try to catch up. She was, save for his guide, the only person he knew anything about in this situation.

"Valentine." He called as he tried to get around a couple rather largish persons.

Valentine was waving goodbye to her older brother whose figure was disappearing into the first train car as she heard her unmistakable name being called.

"Huh?" She turned around and looked at the spot where she had entered only moments earlier. "Oh! Hey Marius! What's up?" she greeted in her normal sweet voice the boy who she had met a couple days before in Strayt Way.

"Not much." He replied as he finally managed to wiggle the rest of the way through the crowd. Finally ending up beside her, he looked around at all the people. "Do you know if the school is this crowded or is it just because of the parents, and was that your brother I saw a few seconds ago?"

"Well," Valentine began as Marius appeared next to her, "I've obviously never been there myself to see with my own eyes, but I'd imagine that there are plenty of places where it isn't that crowded. It's just that every single student and many of their families if not just their parents are here... and this platform isn't the biggest area."

Her eyes then lit up slightly as she remembered a comment her brother had made once. "I've heard that the school itself is magical in that it can create more room if necessary... like if there are five hundred students instead of three hundred, it might not be any more crowded because it would make everything bigger and more rooms and hallways and stuff..."

"But I dunno... I've also heard that we have to make our way through a swamp filled with Buggermars to get to the school... so who knows," she said with a bit of an eye-roll.

"Yeah, that was one of my brothers..."

"True, true." He commented as he realized that of course even the smallest of boarding schools would be larger than the largest train platforms. Hearing about the school being able to change its size and shape distubed Marius a wee bit as what if someone pissed off the school and it decided to trap them in a pseudo-limbo and let them starve.

At the mention of Buggermars, he raized an eyebrow and gave Valentine the most quizzical of looks. "What is a Buggermar? And how many brothers do you have?"

"A Buggermar...?" She echoed - he obviously was not of the wizarding world. "It's just this little needle creature that's quite annoying... I doubt they'd make us wade through them... too dangerous."

"Just two," she commented briefly. "Wanna get a compartment?"

JTobias just gaped at him. "First, who's 'he?' Second, I've seen your stunning spell. There's nothing stunning about it. Third, if I'm wrong saying that controlling someone is unforgivable, then I don't want to be right." Lilly, his cat, meowed as if to approve.

John said "I understand, and I regret this view my self. Just because my stunning spell isn't stunning, doesn't mean I could rise to a position of power one day, I want to be an auror. I apologize for venting steam there Tobias.."

"Sounds prickly." He commented with a grin. "I've got a sister, well kinda. A compartment sounds good. So both your brothers will be at the Academy?"

"Shit!" Yelled Yuri as he runs towards the train, desperately grabbing his stuff. He quickly boards the train and slides down to the floor with a sigh. "Note to self," he mutters under his breath, "don't drink a whole bottle of vodka day before train leaves." He than begins to look for a compartment.

"Sounds prickly." He commented with a grin. "I've got a sister, well kinda. A compartment sounds good. So both your brothers will be at the Academy?"

"No, just the one," Valentine replied to Marius without offering further explanation on the matter.

As they began pushing through the growing crowds of people towards one of the doors of the train cars, she asked, "What do you mean you 'kind of' got a sister?" Perhaps, she thought, he didn't accept her as his sister because she wasn't magical. Val had often heard that in muggle and mixed-blood families, it wasn't extremely unusual for one child to present powers while another didn't. But then that wasn't a good reason to disregard one's sister...

J

John said "I understand, and I regret this view my self. Just because my stunning spell isn't stunning, doesn't mean I could rise to a position of power one day, I want to be an auror. I apologize for venting steam there Tobias.."

Tobias took his seat with Lilly jumping to his lap. "No problem. If you don't like that wiew, then change the way you think. Since you say you don't like the idea of it being an unforgivible curse, but you say you don't like that view, just agree with it being unforgivable." He looked out the window in the door to see someone who had the appearance of his sister the morning after her 18'th birthday. "Isn't that Yuri from Broc in your grade?"

"Bye Mommy!" Samantha said to her mom at Seven Kings Station. Her things were already in her trunk and ready to be loaded onto the train. She was really early and would now wait for Derrick in there usual cart. "Bye Daddy!" She said giving him a hug.

"Dont have to much fun honey." Her dad said. "Remember, no muggle clothes!" He yelled as she waved good bye and got into the train. She turned and saw her mom smile. Samantha waved and to bug her dad she grabbed the handrail and leaned way out and ran her hand back through her blonde hair. She saw him take a step forwards and then bolted inside giggling to herself.

Derrick ran to catch the train. His parents had said there goodbyes already and his trunk had been loaded. The only reason he was so late was because he had to go to the batheroom before boarding the train. He went inside to the normal cart to meet with Samantha.

Derrick ran to catch the train. His parents had said there goodbyes already and his trunk had been loaded. The only reason he was so late was because he had to go to the batheroom before boarding the train. He went inside to the normal cart to meet with Samantha.

Samantha saw Derrick come into there compartment. She waved with her fingers and smiled. "You excited to spend the next ten months with me?" She asked him. She was tired, Samantha had got up early this morning to make sure she was ready on time. Also, to sneak a stash of muggle clothes and unallowable items into the school grounds.

"Well I'm adopted, so she's my sister by family but not by birth." He replied simply as he wasn't discomforted by the fact that he was adopted. "Do you know much about this whole set-up as it sort of seems like a fairytale?" He added after a second as Marius figured that if she had a brother in the system already she'd know all sorts of interesting stories.

"Oh... I guess that makes sense," Val commented in response to his simple explanation of his previous meaning. It wasn't common in the wizarding world, but she had heard of muggles taking others kids to raise as their own. It was a strange concept, and one that generally didn't make sense in the much smaller magical community. Adopting a muggle was almost certainly out of the question, and there weren't exactly rooms full of wizard babies given up at birth.

"Whole set-up? What do you mean?" She asked, confused about what he was talking about. "You mean the school. I guess I know a bit, but from what I've heard is it is pretty much like a muggle boarding school... except spiced up with magic," she responded, hoping to explain it better with a relation to muggle society - not that she knew much of it. "The differences are probably minor things, but if you have any specific questions, I can do my best..."

"Well, can you start with magic, how it works and all that? And what is a muggle?" Marius asked as the first had been a question that had been nagging at him since he'd gotten the letter. "Also if you have any questions that I might be able to answer I'd be happy to do so."

"Finally, Seven Kings Station" Alex said as he entered the vast railway station. He looked around and finally found what he was looking for. A few moments later and he was on the platform waiting for the train. It arrived almost immediately and so Alex clambered aboard and began to move through the various compartments looking for some familiar faces. He found a boy and a girl talking about Muggles. He decided he had walked far enough and knocked on the door to the compartment "Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full"

Valentine laughed slightly at his question. "I have no idea how it works. And I'd bet that most adults don't. Come to think of it, I am not sure if anyone does... but then Exeter would be the best place to ask." If he meant how to use magic, then she wouldn't exactly be the best teacher at the moment, having learned only a little...

"A muggle is any person not of magic," she explained easily. "And unfortunately I am not terribly interested in that world, so no questions here..."

Just as she finished her sentence, a knocking on the compartment alerted them to someone at the sliding door. "Uh... I gue-ess," she commented slightly nervously. The boy looked to be several years older than them and she wondered why he wanted to sit with them - first years.

Alex smiled and nodded his thanks as he sat down "Truth was that the train was filling up fast and he needed a seat before the train started to move. If he didn't find on ehe would find himself standing. He looked at them, First Years. 'Heck everybody has to start somewhere' he thought. he smiled again and asked casually "You both new here?" he knew the answer but better to hear it from the horse's mouth.

"So my family are muggles but I'm not?" He enquired as it was a somewhat confusing concept as far as he was concerned. With the fact that Valentine answered the senior's question, it meant that he didn't have to worry about offending the older student.

"Yes, and who are you?" Marius replied and asked as the senior sat down.

"Alex Cavourna" he said happily, settling down for the train journey "I'm in 6th Year and Titanus" he looked at the other two "What houses would you prefer to be in?" he wondered if they even knew what houses there were available, it didn't seem so to him anyway. 'Maybe a future Titanus here' he thought.

"House? What do you mean and what is a Titanus? I mean I've heard of Titania but Titanus?" Marius replied as he looked out the window for a moment. "And what's the school like?"

"House? What do you mean and what is a Titanus? I mean I've heard of Titania but Titanus?" Marius replied as he looked out the window for a moment. "And what's the school like?"

"Wow, a real newcomer" he said looking at Marius, "When you get to the school you will be divided into houses, one is Titanus" he looked out the window as well "It is a good school, you will enjoy your time there so long as you are careful to keep yourself out of trouble"

"And the other ones are?" He enquired as he wasn't quite sure what Alex meant when he called him a real newcomer. Was there some sort of fake newcomer or something. "What can get you in trouble? And do you know how this magic thing works? Why some people have it and others don't?"

"And the other ones are?" He enquired as he wasn't quite sure what Alex meant when he called him a real newcomer. Was there some sort of fake newcomer or something. "What can get you in trouble? And do you know how this magic thing works? Why some people have it and others don't?"

He thought for a moment "The others are Draco, who are mostly gits but some are dead on. Then there's Emantricos who tend to have the most technical Magicians then there's the Bulldozer Brocs, who tend to be strong and brave. The problem is that the Draco's believe that Pure Blood is the only blood and therefore anybody of non-Magical parentage is a below-average citizen" He shook his head in disgust "Most people either agree or disagree and it can lead to confrontations" he thought about the last question for a while "I don't know how some are more powerful than others. It just seems to be one of those things. Some can practise for months but be no better than people how have done little all year. It seems to be one of those things"

"Yeah, they are muggles," Valentine said. "And though it is not terribly uncommon for someone to present magical abilities while their parents haven't, you did say you were adopted, did you not?"

"My brother is a Titanus... 7th year," she commented to the older boy. "Don't really know what I want; I suppose I could go anywhere."

Turning back to Marius who seemed as questioning and confused as ever, she tried to help. "I think by real newcomer, he means to our world... the wizarding world."

"And what's Titanius like as so far all three sound good and interesting." Marius commented as he listened and absorbed. Of course unless something more interesting came up soon then his attention would start to waver as he didn't have that great an attention span, a result of his restless nature.

"Ah, so you've both grown up with this stuff then? Guess I'm at a bit of a disadvantage then."

"Your Brother's 7th Year?" Alex repeated thinking "what's his name?" He also turned to answer Marius' question "Titanus would be the most illustrious house, it is characterised by Loyalty, Nobility and strength of heart. I do not doubt that the others share similiar qualities but Titanus is the best in my opinion" He frowned at Marius' last statement "Those who are at a disadvantage are those that believe that Pure-Blood Parentage gaves them an advantage. If you work hard then it won't be difficult to cath them up" He looked out the window.

The train was the usual business, but Natalie had had a helluva time with this process the first time she had tried to make the usual trip to Exeter. She had stood at the wall that was used for accessing the platform, wondering what to do, when suddenly a bunch of kids had run right through the wall. That was perplexing enough, but when you were dragging a full cart with a trunk and bizarre animals-that was wierder. Natalie got the hint that these weren't ordinary people...especially since ordinary people didn't run through walls.

She had had no issues with anything this time around, making an unobtrusive entrance to the platform. As usual, a bunch of parents were around to say their good-byes-Nat just came alone, as her parents had plenty of things to do besides come to England. The train was already filling, but plenty of compartments were left open. Nat went aboard, dragging her things-light compared to others; she had a habit of not overpacking as some of the other kids seemed to. If she forgot something, well, improvisation was not usually something to kill someone.

Looking for an open compartment, Nat passed by a couple first-years huddled together with one kid who seemed much bigger-likely not a first year, unless he was on HGH. That would be kind of akward in the real world-perhaps having a good age spread was acceptable in the Magical World, but Nat couldn't even dream of anything like a high school sophmore or junior (she didn't know the age of the bigger kid, but she assumed that he was at least of high school age) hanging out with sixth graders. The first years were always easy to tell-wide-eyed and bubbly on the train as they waited to get to their first year of the school. She had been one herself, heading into a new world, but now, things were routine. Three compartments down was open, and Natalie, usually an extrovert but today simply looking for space to relax, entered, laying her things down across the compartment and settling down on a seat. The ride ahead was fairly long; she'd need the time to relax before the new year started again.

Yuri went from compartment to compartment, searching for a place to rest. At last he found an empty compartment and set his things down with a sigh. Taking out a cold grilled cheese sandwich, he lay down and started eating. However, when it became apparent that no one was going to come to this compartment, he put his hat over his head and within minutes, he was asleep.

"Victor," she said in response to the older kid's question. As one of Titanus' senior Quidditch members, and the school Quidditch team's Seeker, he was well known, though his illustriousness did not expand to the classroom as it did for so many others.

"I am sure there are some books you can read to get a feel for our world..."

"And you just happen to be a member of Titanus." Marius commented with a slyish grin. "Ah well, so what's the deal with this Pure-Blood thing?" Not knowing his birth parents made it a kind of non-issue as far as he was concerned but he wondered if others would be making it an issue.

Aggy opened the door to a compartment and smiled. He looked around to make sure no one was around, entered. He shut the door quickly and opened his bag. Pushing his clothes aside, he found what he was looking for. He pulled out a flask of Mickey Mcgriffin's Dragon Rum as well as a bag of golden powder. Both items were contraband of course, but this was going to be a boring train ride. Aggy kissed the flask affectionately and returned it to his bag.

The powder was Fairy Dust. The powder was a notorious hallucinogen used by wizards. Users often had visions of "flying" and "happily ever afters". It was hard to come by these days, but Aggy had snached it from one of his father's roadies on the Australian tour.

Grinning in anticpation, he poured out a line of powder about three inches long, and then snorted it. The effect was immediate. Colors became more vibrant, the same for sounds and smells. More importantly, Aggy just felt...good. Smiling, he laid back and enjoyed the ride...

Valentine giggled at Marius' first remark as the train lurched forward towards their destination.

"Not really sure..." she said in response to his question about the pure-blood issue. "My parents told me that there have been wars for centuries between those who think those of pure magical blood are best and those that are defending everyone else. But there hasn't been a war in a few decades now... though that doesn't mean people don't still carry the attitudes."

"And owing to the situation, it's self-evident who's been winning. If I were one of the people who cared about blood, I'd be looking for somesort of ace as from the looks of things they keep getting stomped, which is generally a sign something isn't firing up here, at least for most of those who keep getting up after being stomped." Marius commented as he tapped his forehead to illustrate his point. That was what he'd witnessed in some of the more unequal of the fights in the playground that if the bullied stayed down then the bully went away.

"I dunno... I don't think that is necessarily true," Valentine commented after a moment of thought. "I once heard my dad say that while most people looked at a time of war as the break in the timeline of peace, you could just as easily see a time of peace as the break in the timeline of war. So I guess you could see this situation in the same way..." She paused a moment as she hastened to get her thoughts and points together.

"I've heard tales of when the Pure Blood Fanatics ruled for long periods or where they were winning the wars for decades... just because we are used to the 'good side' being in charge now, doesn't mean they are stomping them... it fluctuates and changes with the times."

"But I don't know. You could be right..."

The train lurched ever forward across the green countryside. Hills passed bye as the sun slowly descended over the western seas...

"So what house do you think you'll end up in?" He asked Valentine before directing another question to the older student, "Are kids from different houses able to interact or is it semi-restricted?"

"Dunno..." Valentine replied slowly as she thought about her future. "Most of my family has been Titanus, but that doesn't mean I will..."

None of the houses really concerned her, except Draco, of course. They wouldn't accept a blood traitor like her into their midst and would probably just tease her about being a farm girl. The others didn't seem that bad though.

"Then maybe we'll be in the same house." Marius commented and was about to add more before the food lady came through with her selections of snacks and candies. Owing to a bit of a lack of funds as he only had the expected amounts for any additional school supplies, with the fudge factor factored in, and only a small amount of personal spending monies and since he didn't know what kinds of things he might finding interesting later Marius decided to conserve his meager funds for the moment.

"Yeah perhaps..." Valentine said, echoing his sentiment. It'd be nice to be in the same house, she thought, as her first friend at school. "But if you're a Draco... then I just refuse to be in that house with you," she said with a smile.

"I don't think I'll end up there, all things considered as until a short while ago, I thought magic resided in books and movies." Marius commented with a grin at the idea of causing the students of Draco mass heart attacks at the idea of a muggle born being in their hallowed halls. "It'd be fun to see the reactions on their faces if I ended up there though."

"Never know though..." Valentine said as she raised her eyebrows, one slightly higher than the other. "You said you were adopted right? So who knows what your real parents were like..."

She wasn't really being serious, though her point was still in part valid, as Marius didn't seem as nasty as the Dracos Victor had told her about.

"That's true." He commented for all he knew he could be decended from the most anti-muggle family in existance but he didn't really think he was. In a teasing voice that reeked of humourous intent, he added, "Woooo, I'm the son of evil wizards and witches, fear me."

Valentine laughed a bit, though was slightly embarrassed with the older student there. "Yeah... maybe..."

As she peered out the window of the mass moving train, it was obvious that they were no longer in London as green hills had replaced stone buildings. Slowly the sun began descending in the west, spreading her last colorful bursts of light over the land...

After his comment to Valentine, Marius started to drift off into that nebulous world in which the sleeping and awake worlds met. In that shadowy world he dreamt of many things, of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings and why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings.

He 'woke' shortly before the train arrived at Exter Academy with a yawn. Stretching he asked Valentine, "Do you know where we change into the uniform?"

ooc: Points to who know's that quote(partially modified)

Angela seemed to zone out from the market of Strayt way to the Train station; like a sort of auto-pilot; her things in tow behind her; the case enchanted to walk by itself and a perception filter cast on it so that the muggle's wouldn't see it. She walked through the invisible barrier and was now on the platform that would take her to Exeter school of magic; the old-fashioned steam train was already in the station. As she boarded the old wooden carriage trunk still in tow as she walked from car to car looking for an empty compartment a significantly difficult task as she finally found an empty compartment she settled down into her plush red sea and her case hopped up next to her settling down like a dog and going to 'sleep'

"No idea..." Valentine responded as she truly had not thought to ask when informed of the practice.

"Perhaps we are supposed to just put our robes over our clothes and then change into school clothes later...?" she offered weakly.

Without really knowing what was the right answer, she pulled her robes from her trunk and began throwing them over her "muggle clothes."

"Sounds workable, and we always have a senior who can clarify once he wakes." Marius replied as he gestured at the boy who seemed to have drifted off as well. He then proceeded to copy Valentine and slid his robe over his clothes.

"Is it me, or does it look like it's going to rain? Anyway, We've still got hours before we get there, how about a game of cards." Tobias pulled a deck of magical playing cards, just what was needed to play any wizarding card game.