auroraravenfire

A little wolfstar love (PG) First draft

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:56:56 GMT

I stood there waiting, as impatient as a child at Christmas. They said he was on his way; where is he? It’s been too long. I wondered, when I left, if I was going to the same place that the rest of them go, since I left in such a different way. Turns out, it’s not all that different at all. Did it hurt? Not physically…but I felt myself being cut off from the two people I care most about in the world. I saw them there as I left. Wanting to say good-bye, give them some sort of reassurance things would be alright. But even I didn’t know if they would ever be alright again.

I watched on as he tried to fight her off, but it was only natural that they would turn to each other during that time. I don’t fault him for wanting a little bit of comfort when the world was so dark. But now he’s coming back to me.

They say he should be in the next group. I strain my ears to hear the sounds of anybody approaching, nothing yet. I’m pacing back and forth, maybe I should sit. There’s an empty bench by the wall that looks comfortable enough. I go sit.

I can’t sit still for very long, and soon return to pacing. I stare at the clock; only five minutes have passed while I was seated. This is going to be a long wait.

I’ve always belonged to him; whether I admitted it or not. I was his from the first time I met him. I couldn’t help myself. It started that I just wanted to impress him, but the older we got, the more I needed him to notice me. And then, the more ways I needed him to notice. The first time he hugged me that was more than a normal hug, I don’t think I breathed for five minutes. The first time we kissed? I was sure I had died right there, because surely nothing could be better than that.

I check the clock again; another ten minutes gone. What’s taking them so long?

I had been wrong of course, because things did get better, much better. When he told me that he loved me, I felt like I was flying. And the first time we made love…well that’s a moment I’ll never forget. To hold him in my arms again is the only wish I have. Whether it be a moment, or an eternity.

Lost in those memories I manage to get past another fifteen minutes. I listen again, and I think I hear faint sounds off in the distance. Could this be them? I start pacing again.

What will it be like to see him again? To hold him? I start to get nervous. Maybe it’s been too long and he won’t want me anymore. I go back to pacing.

Finally, I hear the unmistakable whistle. They will be here in five minutes. I try to prepare myself. How do you prepare for something like this? I wonder if they’ve told him where he’s going. That could be a bit uncomfortable.

They made it pretty easy on me. Not many come in the way I did, so there wasn’t a crowd, and they could explain things to me fully. They made it a smooth transition. I hope I can do the same for him.

A second whistle sounds, one minute. Okay, where should I stand? Should I be here right in focus for him to see, or should I make an entrance? I would like to make an entrance, but somehow I think it will be better for him if I’m just here.

Another thought occurs to me. What if she’s with him? I heard that she was coming too. Before I have much time to worry about that the train comes into sight. A final whistle blows as it slows to a stop. My breath catches as the doors open.

There’s a fairly sizeable crowd coming in. That’s to be expected given the circumstances. I start searching through the faces of those emerging from the compartments. A few I recognize. Nearly all of them are much too young to be here. I chuckle. That’s the same they said about me when I arrived.

I nod at a few that I know, and laugh as still others recognize me for the rumors that surrounded me and scurry away in fright. What more do they have to fear from me here?

Then the world stops. I see him in the doorway. I wait to catch his eye. He steps down and turns; she’s there with him. He helps her down from the train and then turns back. He sees me and he stops, pain in his eyes. I want to go to him and tell him it’s okay, that I understand. But instead he turns to her. I won’t deny that this hurts.

She places her hand upon his cheek and smiles. She whispers something to him and kisses his forehead. He looks back to her one last time. She nods. He turns back to look at me and he smiles. It’s that first smile that does me in. I can’t contain myself any longer and I run to him.

I wrap him up in my arms. I’m never letting go I’ve decided. He feels too good here. I look up at her with a question in my eye. She just smiles and nods at me as well. That’s all the encouragement I need. I pull him in to me and kiss him. A little bit shy, not quite sure how he’s going to react. To my relief he kisses me back. A bit more forceful than I remembered, but that just makes me smile.

Well pull apart and just stare at each other for what could have been hours, or seconds, it really didn’t matter anymore. Finally I had to break the silence. I spoke only his name.

“Remus.”

He smiled, as if just hearing his name was enough to confirm everything he’d questioned.

“Is it really you?”

I smile back at him.

“The one and only.”

I smile back at little Dora standing a few feet off.

“Is it okay?”

She smiles at me again.

“He was always yours; I was just keeping him company in between.”

I knew I always liked Dora. I hope that she can find her place here and be happy. Because now that he’s here, I have found my home again.

In progress

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 23:02:14 GMT

She could feel it. Something was coming. Saw it in her tea leaves, and in the runes she cast, even the stars knew. She just couldn’t quite put her wand on what it was.
Eileen Prince stood at the window of her bedroom and stared out onto the grounds of the manor she lived in with her husband, Tobias Snape. Fresh from the bath, she stood with her hair piled on top of her head, her long, silken robe – black of course – brushing the floor. It parted slightly so that anyone who happened to look through her window (not that they could, the house was set back and surrounded by land) would see she wore nothing underneath.
Trailing a blood red nail down along the curve of her breast, Eileen sighed and watched the sun set. Tobias would be home soon, and she still had to get herself ready. She was going to give him a night he would not soon forget.
Allowing the robe to part fully, she swirled around and glided to the bureau. She chose her clothing carefully. She pulled out her deep green corset (laced, of course, with silver) and matching thong. She laid these on the bed and retrieved her black garter belt and matching stockings which she added to the clothes on the bed.
Eileen slipped the silken fabric from her shoulders, allowing it to pool at her feet. Reveling in her own nakedness, she allowed her hands one sweep over her body before picking up each garment almost reverently and putting it on.
Once each piece of clothing was in place, she moved to the vanity where she kept her most precious pieces of jewelry. Eileen selected a pair of long, silver strands for her ears, each dotted with an emerald at the end, and a similarly long silver strand for around her neck that hung below her breasts, nearly to her navel.
Once everything was in place, she took a quick sweep of make-up across her face, fluffed her breasts in the corset, and let her hair fall free. The she went downstairs to wait for her husband to come home.
Tobias Snape opened the door to Snape Manor and was greeted with the sound of music coming from the ballroom. The doors were naught open but a crack, and as he pushed them open, he was greeted by the sight of his wife in her favorite black robe, standing in the middle of the dance floor. He had barely stepped inside when she flicked her wand and the ballroom doors snapped shut.

A second flick of her wand changed the somber sonata into a dramatic tango. The two walked towards each other in step with the music, her robe slipping to the floor, and fell to each others’ arms to the beat.
They marched and twirled each other violently around the room. His robes billowed around them, her stilettos clicking the floor angrily. They spun faster and faster as the song crashed on. Then, silence. The song ended and the lovers froze. A second stretching out for an eternity. Tobias descended upon his wife’s mouth; devouring her; savoring her taste. Eileen ran her hands over her husband’s shoulders and up to his hair, tugging gently. The world was spinning, as if they were under a spell.
Pulling apart to catch their breath, forehead resting against forehead, their breathing erratic. Tobias gently pulled his wife back and was able to fully appreciate the great care she had taken to prepare herself for his arrival.
Quirking her head towards the door to the adjoining drawing room, Eileen let Tobias’s attention to the small table outside the door, on top of which she had placed a single red rose.
Eileen stepped back from her husband, turned, and walked towards the door, swaying her hips lasciviously as she went. Tobias hesitated only briefly before following his wife through the door.
The small – compared to the ballroom – drawing room was lit by the fireplace on the opposite wall. It was sparsely decorated, a few bookcases along the walls, and a glass cabinet in a corner holding a wide range of bottles in all shapes and sizes. Each bottle contained a different liquid or powder; potions ingredients. The central piece of the room was a black chaise. There were dark green vines embroidered throughout, barely distinguishable from the rest of the fabric.
It was here that Eileen led her husband. Easing Tobias back onto the lounger, she gently brushed back the robes he was wearing, allowing them to drape over the back of the chaise. Placing one knee on either side of Tobias’s lap, Eileen climbed into a straddling position and leaned down to kiss him again.
It was a soft kiss, not demanding like the first had been, and it held promise for sweeter things to come. Tobias wrapped his arms protectively, possessively, around his wife and kissed her back.
Hands free, Eileen began working the buttons of Tobias’s crisp, white shirt, kissing each bit of skin as it was revealed. Pulling the shirt free from his trousers, Tobias shrugged this off as well, allowing it to drape with his robes on the back of the lounge.
Eileen ran her hands along the (smooth/furred) chest of her husband, pausing to flick her thumb across each nipple in turn. A low growl rumbled up from Tobias’s throat as he devoured his wife’s mouth once more.
Tobias clutched at the smooth, pale skin of his wife’s thighs. Eileen’s breath caught in her throat and she tilted her head just slightly. It was enough to give him access to the tender flesh of her neck.
Claiming the soft flesh with his mouth, he bit gently. Not hard enough to leave his mark, but hard enough for her to feel, to know she was his. Grazing his teeth down her throat, he turned his mouth to her collarbone and trailed his tongue along the ridge.

Some poems I dug up

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 07:16:09 GMT

These are all first drafts. Feedback is always appreciated, otherwise, enjoy!

In My Skin

Pale human flesh
Flush to the world
Woman’s form
Falling open to the world
Wondering what there is
Images swirl ‘round
Raw and new
Nude and comfortable
Curves, luscious and beautiful
Begging to be touched, caressed
Calling for the feel
Feather-light touches
Taken to the heart
Hearing all her pain
Pink and flushed
Finished
Fully perfect

My Corner

I sit in my little corner
The world walks by
Full of colours, loud, vibrant colours
And sounds, brilliant sounds
People talking, singing, walking
Birds, traffic
All the sounds that make up the world
And it all passes me
As I sit here, in my little corner

Flesh

Nails trailing over soft flesh
Prickling, tingling
Lost to sensations
Lost to the touch
A feeling
A moment
Intensity
Sparks
Your mouth on mine
Your hands through my hair
The world spins around us
And we are still
Lost
Frozen in a moment
Blissfully ignorant to the world outside

an old poem I just found

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 18:59:31 GMT

Demons of the mind...

at night
when its dark
when things come out to play
the dark demons of the night
the shadows of fear and doubt
the lingering of nightmares from a child's fantasy
long shadows of creatures that are very real
they come with their claws
they come with their teeth
they come to claim the living
and prey upon the weak
they intrude in our minds
calling up memories of things long past
feeding on our fear
slowly pulling the life from our bodies
like an intoxicating but deadly disease
as an animal stalks its prey
so do these creatures stalk us
it is the mind
the mind which creates such foul things
and only the mind which might put them to rest

NaNo part two

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 05:53:19 GMT

total word count: 14009 and I think it might be working again

“Well, what do you want to know?” Paige asked a bit timidly, “I mean...I've read all the books several times over, I pretty much know them by heart at this point.”

“I suppose 'everything' is too broad of a request.” Garrett laughed. “So how about just the basics.”

“Ok.” Paige began. “There's Harry, you know about him right? Parents killed, he's the 'Boy Who Lived', Voldemort, er...'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named' is still after him and trying to kill him. OH! But don't say anything about that, because right now he's not 'technically' back.” Garrett gave her a puzzled look at that. “I mean, not in this book, that happens in a later book.”

“Oh, I see.” said Garrett in a tone that conveyed that he really didn't understand, but he was going to pretend so he wouldn't look like an idiot.

“Then there's Ron. He's the boy with the red hair that we came up here with. He's the youngest boy in the Weasley family. His older brothers are the twins we met when we came in here, Fred and George, and Percy, the rather obnoxious boy who was following McGonagall around like a puppy. They have older brothers, Charlie and Bill, and a younger sister, Ginny.” Paige paused, and at the look on Garrett's face added, “But you really only have to know Ron right now, but watch out for the twins, they're practical jokers.” Garrett looked both relieved and worried by Paige's words.

“The girl that was with them, the really bossy one? That's Hermione Granger. Her parents are Muggles, and she's the head of her class. She is the reason that Harry and Ron don't flunk out of school.” Paige paused thoughtfully, “bit like I was in school actually...though I was much too shy to be bossy.”

Garrett smirked at her then, “I can see that.”

Paige swatted at him playfully, “Be nice or I won't help you.”

Garrett gave her a mock pout, “Oh fine.”

“Better.” Paige nodded. “Then there's Dumbledore.”

“Yeah, he seems really...strange.” Garrett inserted.

“Yeah...he is exactly what he seems, and the exact opposite, all at once.” Paige mused.

“Umm...what?”

Paige laughed, “The short version? Yes, he's odd. But very wise. Pay close attention to him. He is our best chance to get back home.”

“Ok, I think I got it.” said Garrett.

“Good.” Paige smiled. “Anything else you want to know?”

“I think this will be enough for right now. That's a lot of information at one time.”

“I know what you mean.” Paige chuckled. “I guess I've just spent too much time in those books...” Paige broke out into laughter, “...and now I'm really in these books. Funny how things work like that isn't it?”

“I guess so.” Garrett looked at her with an expression that was a mixture of curiosity, and thinking that she was nutty.

“Oh, and watch out for Snape...er..Professor Snape. He's rather grouchy, you don't want to cross him.” Paige added.

“Ok, Ron is good, twins are trouble, Hermione is bossy, Dumbledore is loopy, and Snape is trouble,” Garrett recited. “Did I get that right?”

“Basically,” said Paige as she finished up her second croissant and drained her tea cup. “I suppose we should be heading to Dumbledore's office now eh?”

“Probably,” Garrett said with rather dispassionately.

“Alright,” Paige smiled, “let's go then!” She stood up from the table and pushed her chair back in, Garrett followed her lead. They made their way through her rooms to the common room. “Follow me,” Paige said and walked through the common room, and out the portrait hole.

They made there way, still a bit shaky since they weren't completely familiar with the castle quite yet, towards Dumbledore's office. Just as Paige was beginning to gain confidence in her navigational skills, the staircase that they were on, decided to shift. They made their way to the top and Garrett went to open the door. Paige quickly surveyed their surroundings and then yelled at Garrett, “No!! Don't open that!!”

Garrett looked back at her, stunned. “Why not?” he asked, looking thoroughly puzzled.

“It's a long story,” Paige sighed, “but trust me, we do not want to open that door.” She dragged a still confused Garrett back down the staircase and through the door at the bottom. She was a bit shaken up, but still feeling a fair amount of confidence in her ability to get them back to Dumbledore's office.

“Do you know where you're going?” asked Garrett.

“Well, no, not exactly,” admitted Paige, “but I'm sure we will run into someone who can direct us back to where we need to be going.” she said, sounding as if she were trying to convince herself as well as Garrett.

“And if we don't?” Garrett asked, trying not to become irritated.

“We will.” Paige said more forcefully than she had intended. They continued walking in silents for a few moments.

“I'm sorry.” They both said together. That broke the tension and they laughed. “So where are we goi-”

“Shh.” Paige interrupted. “I think I hear something.”

“What?” Garrett asked, “I thought we wanted to find someone.”

“No, I think it's,” she paused, “Peeves! Quick! In here.” Paige grabbed Garrett by the arm and dragged him into the nearest door. She looked around the darkened room, it looked like a classroom, but it was a bit hard to tell without lights. Something in the corner of the room caught her eyes when the light from the one open window glinted off of it. Paige moved cautiously towards it, Garrett following timidly behind her. The only thing that Paige could think of that would be here was...the mirror.

She stood in momentary shock, Garrett looking at her curiously. “What are we looking at?” he wondered aloud.

“It's the mirror...” Paige whispered.

“Uh, 'the' mirror?” Garrett asked, still puzzled.

“This is The Mirror of Erised.” Paige said in awe.

“Um, would you care to try that in, uh, English?” Garrett looked at her.

“This mirror is how Harry, uh, saves the day I guess you might say, in the first book.” Paige took another timid step towards the mirror. “It shows you your hearts greatest desire.”

“Sounds kind of creepy.” Garrett said, edging slightly away from the mirror.

“I've always wondered what I would see if I stepped in front of it.” Paige said, eying the mirror fondly, “but now that I'm here, I'm, I don't know, nervous? I guess.”

“Well, it's now or never really, because I think that pesky poltergeist has moved on to another hallway.

“Ok, ok...” Paige trailed off. She stepped in front of the mirror. First she saw only herself, as she was, standing in that classroom. Then she saw someone approach her. A man. He came towards her, she couldn't quite see who it was, and he kissed her. Something seemed familiar about him, but she couldn't quite place it. He broke the kiss and looked out from the mirror at her, and she gasped. She had seen him before; this was the man from her dream. But that would mean...she let her thoughts trail off.

“So what do you see there?” Garrett asked with polite curiosity.

“N-nothing interesting.” Paige stuttered quietly. “I think we should be heading on our way now.” she finished, her face flushed.

“If you say so.” Garrett said, looking curiously at the mirror. “Maybe I should try it?” he questioned tentatively.

“If you want.” Paige replied, not wholly there.

Garrett stepped in front of the mirror slowly, not really sure if he wanted to be doing this at all. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them he was watching himself, as if in a movie. The Garrett in the mirror was standing back in the bookshop where he and Paige had been before they were transported to this world. He was holding the necklace, and so was she. Mirror Paige and mirror Garrett had their hands intertwined and both held tightly to the necklace. She leaned up to him and kissed him, softly, and whispered, “See, I told you it would all work out.”

Garrett shook his head and stepped away from the view of the mirror. “Let's go.” he said with a certain finality in his voice.

“What did you see?” Paige asked as they made their way out into the corridors once again.

“I saw, us, getting back home.” Garrett said. It's not a total lie, he told himself, it's just not a total truth either.

“Oh,” Paige said softly. “Is that all?”

She looked up at him gently, and he felt his resolve crumbling, “Yes.” he said simply.

They walked in silence for the next several minutes, winding through corridors, trying to get back to someplace that was familiar. Finally, after about thirteen long minutes of unbearable silence, they were once again standing in front of the gargoyle that guarded the headmaster's office. Paige realized that they still didn't know the password to get in, but fortunately Professor McGonagall walked up just then.

“Good morning Miss Montgomery, Mr. Hart.” she addressed them with pleasant formality. “Shall we head up to see the headmaster now?” Professor McGonagall looked at Paige and Garrett, and with the nodding of their heads she gave the gargoyle the password, “Sugar Quills,” and they were on their way back up the spiral staircase and once again heading into Dumbledore's office. He greeted them with a smile.

“Ah, Miss Montgomery, Mr. Hart, I trust you slept well?” Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling.

“Yes sir, thank you so much,” Paige replied politely.

“Wonderful.” Dumbledore cheered. “And now I think we'd best get to business. Professor McGonagall and I have created a timetable for each of you -”

“You mean we're going to be separated?” asked Garrett nervously.

“Oh no,” Dumbledore smiled, “we realize that until you are more comfortable in our little world here that you would want to stick together, but we thought it would be best if you each had a copy of the schedule for yourself.” Garrett visibly relaxed at those words, and Paige let out a sigh.

“Now, as I was saying, we will introduce you to the rest of the school today, and after that you will be welcome in the Great Hall at meal times. You may sit either at the staff table, or with the Gryffindors, whichever makes you feel more comfortable.

“After breakfast you will sit in with classes, then take lunch with the school, after lunch you may either sit in with classes, or arrange to meet with specific students who have a free period to study. At dinner you may join us once again, and after dinner you will be expected to make yourselves available, either in the library, or an open classroom, to assist students with their homework.” Dumbledore paused, looking to Paige and Garrett for a response.

“That sounds nice Professor,” Paige said finally, “But how will we know how to help them?” she wondered half to herself. Garrett looked as though he was thinking the same thing.

“An excellent question Miss Montgomery.” Dumbledore looked as if she had just said something spectacular. “You will each be given textbooks and class notes. Listening to the lectures should also be helpful. But living in the Muggle world is what will help you most of all. Just be yourselves, and you will do just fine.”

“So basically,” Garrett started, “all we have to do is tell them about what we do in our lives, and that's helpful?!”

Paige stared at him, this was more than he had said, and more forcefully, than anything he had said to anyone else in this place.

“Precisely,” Dumbledore said with a chuckle, while McGonagall stood looking perturbed.

“Great, when do we start,” Garrett smiled, looking slightly relieved.

Paige laughed, “Didn't you hear what he said? We're starting today. Are you introducing us at breakfast Professors?”

“Correct Miss Montgomery.” McGonagall said, “And you will be heading off to class straight from there. Do you need someone to show you the way?”

“Yes, please Professor.” Paige replied.

“Right then, you will follow Professor Smith to his classroom after breakfast. We will be sure to introduce you two to him.”

“Thank you.”

Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair, “Shall we get some breakfast then? I'm starving.”

The headmaster led them out of the office, followed by Professor McGonagall, who hadn't bothered to sit down, then Garrett, and Paige followed lastly. The foursome made their way out towards the Great Hall. About halfway there Paige stopped. Garrett turned around, “What's wrong?”

“The necklace, I dropped it.” Paige said a bit frightened.

“It can't have gone too far,” Garrett said, trying to be convincing. They stepped back a few steps and scanned the floor. Garrett saw it first, while Paige was looking the other way. He picked it up and called to her, “Paige, I found it.”

She turned around excitedly and ran back to him. She threw her arms around him, grabbed hold of the necklace and shouted, “Thank goodness! We would have been stuck here without that!” She kissed his cheek impulsively. Then everything changed. The world melted once again. The hall that they stood in no longer existed. Hogwarts vanished from sight. The walls, Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall in front of them, it all disappeared. Colors swirled together and created new ones, then fell apart into shades of grey. The next second everything came back into focus. They were back, standing once again in the little bookshop on the corner, next to the rack of Harry Potter books. Paige's arms still tightly around Garrett.

Wednesday (again)

“Was that...real?” Garrett wondered. Paige was slightly afraid to move, she looked down at first Garrett, then herself. They were still wearing the spare robes that they had been given.

“It had to be, either that or we both just had one of the most elaborate hallucinations I have ever heard of.” Paige whispered, trying to make the situation light.

“I need to sit down.” Garrett said, looking shaky.

“Me too,” Paige agreed, “over here.” She led him over to her window seat and they sat down together. “That was, incredible.” She was at a loss for words.

Garrett, still in a state of shock, merely nodded in agreement. “I wonder,” he said, finding a bit of his voice again, “how much time has passed here?”

Paige stared at him. Surely no time could have gone by could it? She thought, because we came back in the exact same spot that we disappeared from. But just to be sure, she got up to check the calender in the office. Just as she was getting up she heard Mariska call to her from the office. “Are you ready for some lunch hon?”

“Uh, sure Kah, you wanna run? I'll watch the shop.” Paige said, still wondering what day it was. It has to be the same day if Mariska's in the office and it's lunch time right? She wondered to herself.

“Noodles or burgers?” Mariska called back to her.

“Surprise me,” Paige answered, since the rest of the world seemed to be throwing plenty of them at her lately.

“Alright love,” Mariska called, “I'm out, back in a bit.” Paige heard the jingling of the bells on the door as Mariska walked out the front door to get them some food.

Paige sat back down next to Garrett at the window. They sat in silents for a few minutes before Garrett said finally, “So that was really real wasn't it.”

“I supposed it had to be,” Paige said, fondling the robes she was wearing. “How else do you explain these clothes?” Garrett looked at her and nodded in silent agreement.

After another minute Garrett spoke again, “So, if all that was real, then you really..”

Paige blushed, “Yeah..”

“Right,” Garrett grinned. Another silence. “So, um, would you care to try again?” Garrett asked cautiously.

Paige sat next to him, silent and stunned. She turned slowly to face him, slowly raising her green eyes to meet his grey ones. She couldn't believe what he had just said to her. “Really?” she said softly.

“If you want,” he said gently. Paige nodded slowly. Garrett turned to her and slowly, cautiously, raised his fingers to her hair, winding them gently around the dark blonde curls. He pulled her face gently towards his and met her lips softly with his own.

“Oooo!” came a noise from behind them. Paige jumped nearly out of her skin and spun around. The McNeely twins were standing there grinning. “I knew you liked him!” Xander shouted triumphantly.

Paige flushed crimson at Xander's announcement. Alexa grabbed her brother's arm and dragged him gently away. “We'll be in the office if you need us hun.” She said, leaving Paige alone once again with Garrett.

She looked up at him nervously. “So...” she trailed off in awkward silence.

“So.” he said back to her, neither really knowing just what to say.

“Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all,” Paige said, barely above a whisper.

“Oh,” was all Garrett could think to reply. “I guess. I mean...if you think that's best...”

Paige nodded, not sure if she could trust herself to speak. Garrett frowned and turned around towards the door. He had his hand on the handle when Paige called out to him, “Wait.” she said softly.

He paused and looked back at her, “What?”

Paige figited with her robes, “You forgot your book.” she said holding Harry Potter out to him.

“Oh,” he said, taking out his wallet.

“No charge,” Paige said.

“Ok,” Garrett said, “thanks.” He took the book from her and turned back to the door.

“Come back when you're finished with that one. I'd like to know what you think about it, and get you the next one.” Paige said hopefully.

“Yeah, sure.” He said walking out the door. The bells jingled and Paige walked back to the window seat. Xander and Alexa were sitting there waiting for her.

“What just happened?” Alexa asked, looking at Paige's clothes. “And why are you wearing those?”

Paige looked down at the robes she was wearing and smiled, “You wouldn't believe me if I told you.” Hell, she thought, I'm not even sure that I believe it.

“What's this?” Xander asked, holding up the amulet.

“Don't touch that!!” Paige yelled.

“Sorry,” Xander put the necklace down and sulked. “Present from your mystery man?”

“Not exactly,” Paige said. “Sorry, I didn't mean to yell, it's just...that necklace is dangerous.”

Alexa eyed it curiously, “Garnet and silver right?”

“Yeah,” Paige said. That's what Dumbledore told us anyways.

“Pretty,” Alexa smiled, “he's got good taste. He would have to to be kissing you anyways.”

Paige blushed. “Why were you kicking him out anyways?” Xander piped up curiously.

“I wasn't 'kicking him out', I was just...informing him that kissing wouldn't be a good idea.” she nodded.

“WHY!?” the twins yelled at the same time. “You like him don't you?” Alexa said. “And how long has it been since you dated anyone?” Xander added.

“That's not the point.” Paige sighed.

“Then what exactly is the point hon.?” Alexa challenged.

“I'm, just not comfortable with it.”

“Well we're just going to have to change that.” Xander smiled mischievously.

“Uh oh,” Paige and Alexa said together.

“What?” Xander grinned innocently, “Don't you trust me?”

The girls rolled their eyes, “Here we go again.” Alexa chuckled and Paige sighed.

“What are you going to do to me Xan?” Paige asked nervously.

“Oh, you'll see,” Xander giggled. The bells on the door rang and Mariska came walking back in with bags in her arms.

“Gee Kah, you buy out the whole place?” Paige laughed.

“Well, you didn't give me much to go on, so I got burgers, tacos, sandwiches and soup.” Mariska said, holding up the bags.

Xander pounced, “Dibs on the tacos!” He grabbed the bag of tacos from Mariska's arms and opened it. “Mmm...” he said cradling the bag. Paige laughed and Alexa rolled her eyes.

“How about you two?” Mariska said turning to the girls and holding up the remaining bags.

“I could go for some soup,” Paige said.

“A burger for me please Kah,” replied Alexa.

“That leaves sandwiches for me then,” Mariska smiled.

The foursome carried their bags to the table in front of Paige's window and sat down. “I'll get us some drinks,” Paige said standing up. “What do you guys want?”

“Coke for me,” Alexa said.

“Just a water please hun” from Mariska.

“Do you have grape soda?” Xander asked hopefully. The three girls turned to him and laughed.

“I'll see what I can do for you.” Paige chuckled.

NaNo

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 06:40:11 GMT

10115 I rock!! *dances*

Friday -

The sun is warm; the sky is clear; and where is Paige? Sitting in the alcove at the little bookshop on the corner. A new book each week; that's her motto. This week she sat holding the British and American versions of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone. Notebook in lap, book in hand, Paige sat noting the differences between the two books. “Mariska?” she called to the shop's owner, “Can I get another capp?”

“Sure thing love, what kind would you like?” Mariska called from between the shelves.

“Umm...” Paige paused thoughtfully, “Pumpkin Spice, 'cause they're drinking pumpkin juice in the story now.”

“Coming up!”

Paige returned to her notes, crossing something out, highlighting something else, generally making chaos that only she could understand. After several minutes Paige called out again, “Mariska?”

“Oi!! Your drink! Be right there.”

Mariska strolled over to Paige moments later with a large mug filled with the delicious warm liquid. “I put some extra whip on there since ya had to wait for me,” Mariska said with a wink. The owner stood for several moments looking over Paige's notes. “You know that people have already done that right?”

“I know,” sighed Paige “but I had to do it for myself...to see if they missed anything.”

“That's my little bookworm,” Mariska chuckled before returning to the mass of books waiting to be shelved.

Paige had known Mariska Morgan since she had moved into the neighborhood. As a child, Paige would go into bookshops with her mother wherever they were living. When she got older, and they were at a permanent address, she found Mariska's shop and she began to help out on weekends with shelving and cleaning. While she was doing school work, Paige used the store as her own private study, complete with research facilities. Now that she was a soon-to-be college graduate, finished with her exams...but not quite ready to face the real world, Paige spent all of her free time getting lost in the stories around Mariska's store.

The bell rang at the door to let them know someone had walked in. A warm spring breeze floated in through the open door. Mariska's voice called to her from the middle of a pile of books that needed shelving, “Paige, would you mind taking this one?” So she marked her pages in both books, stuck her pencil in her loose bun, and went up front to investigate.

“Can I help you find something today?” Paige asked coming around the corner. The man standing before her was like something out of a story...tall, dark and handsome. But it was the responding voice that really caught Paige's attention. It was soft, low, and very male.

“Umm...I'm not really sure. I was just driving by and thought I'd come in and poke around a bit.”

“Oh. Good! We encourage poking here.” Paige said, cheeks flushing. “Umm...I mean-” she stammered.

“I know what ya mean.” the enchanting voice chuckled.

“Let me know if I can do anything for you.” Paige said trying to hide the blush that was threatening to consume her face.

“Oh, I will.” He winked.

“I'll be over here,” Paige blushed furiously and walked back to her notes. Paige had not been settled back in her chair more than three minutes when Mariska came over.

“Handsome isn't he?” Mariska smirked.

“I hadn't noticed,” Paige replied meekly.

“If you say so,” the shopkeeper grinned, “I'm heading out. Make sure to check him out before he leaves dear.” Mariska winked and headed out the back door and vanished from sight.

Paige was left in the store alone with the handsome stranger. She debated whether to go back to her notes or wait for him behind the desk. Since she didn't want to be interrupted again, Paige opted to wait at the desk. As she stood there watching him browse through the stacks of books; taking in his features. His light brown hair fell gently into his eyes; he wasn't very tall...but he filled space. The slight frame that held his body was enhanced by his aura. He radiated strength, and that intrigued Paige.

“So what's your name?” she called tentatively.

“Garrett.” he said simply.

“Ooo! Like in Quest For Camelot!” she shrieked without thinking. “Sorry. I just love that movie.”

“Don't be sorry, and yes, like that movie...although...I'm not blind.” he replied kindly.

“No, no...of course not.” Paige stammered. Garrett...she had always liked that name. “So...do you live around here?”

“Just moved in last month. So I'm still getting used to the neighborhood.” Garrett smiled at her.

“So how do you like our little community so far?”

“Well...the people are very friendly. After living in a big city, this is just the kind of place I need.”

“Well good. Have you found anything yet? Can I point you in the direction of something?” Paige struggled for a voice.

“I think I have what I need for today.” Garrett replied walking up to the counter. He laid a copy of Interview With the Vampire down in front of her. “Just this one for now.”

“Oh! That is one of my favorites.” Paige replied excitedly.

“Never read it. But I hear people talking about it all the time, thought I ought to check it out.”

“Come back and let me know how you liked it. I'll give you a discount on the next book in that series if you like the first one.” Paige rang the register. “$4.36 today.”

Garrett fumbled in his wallet a minute, pulling out a ten dollar bill and handing it across the counter. Paige took it and counted out his change. “$5.64 back to ya today.”

“Thanks.” Garrett smiled.

“Anytime. And don't forget to come back when you're done with that one.” Paige said hopefully.

“Don't worry, I will definitely be back in here again.” He grinned and walked out of the store.

Paige was giddy. She grabbed herself a bottle of water and went back to her notes. She tried to settle in but she was too jittery. The most beautiful man she had ever seen just left. The bell jingled again and the twins walked in. “Hiya Paige!” called Xander. “Who was that gorgeous specimen of manly goodness that just left?”

Paige chuckled, “New guy in town. I sold him Interview.”

“OOO!” squealed Alexa. “I love that book!”

“I know you do Lex. I love it too. He said he'd come back when he was done reading it.” Paige sighed, “I hope he does.”

Just then Mariska came back in through the back room. “How did it go?”

“It was fi-”

“Paige likes the new guy!!” Xander giggled. Paige glared at him.

“Oh she does, does she?” Mariska said with a knowing smirk.

“Yup” Alexa grinned.

“You two be quiet,” Paige mumbled as she gathered her things into her bag. “See you tomorrow Mariska.”

“I'll be here.”

“Let's go.” Paige glared at the twins as they left for the evening. Inside, she was still smiling at the handsome stranger that had just walked into her life. The modest apartment Paige shared with the twins was a short drive from the store. She was lucky to have friends like the McNeelys. They were just one more reason Paige was thankful to have found the bookstore. She met them as part of an after school volunteer program they had signed up for in their sophomore year of high school. They bonded over Harry Potter, and had been like family ever since.

Being home schooled didn't allow Paige to grow up with large groups of children. They had moved around a lot, so her mother felt it best not to put Paige into school where she could become attached, and then get broken hearted when they had to move. This was probably why Paige clung to literature so much. It was the one thing that was a constant in her life. She could read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe over and over again; and Mr. Tumnus would always be there, waiting for her at the lamp post.

Paige's mother was a nanny, so they traveled wherever she could find work. One year here, another there. Sometimes they would spend two or three years with the same family, always in a guest cottage at the edge of some rich family's property, while barely making enough for themselves. Food and shelter were always provided, but clothes, toys and anything else they wanted were up to the wages Mrs. Montgomery made. Paige spent her time with her mother, helping to clean, and taking lessons while the other children were off at school. Paige was thirteen when they moved into the neighborhood, her mother had gotten a job as a tutor for one of the elementary schools in the area. They could finally stay put for more than two years. And although they were somewhat settled, Paige's mother had kept her home schooled, until high school ended, since that was what they were used to. It was a tempestuous life, but it was her own.

Paige was shaken from her thoughts when Xander called from the front, “Chinese or pizza tonight?”

“Chinese,” Paige replied instantly, “I've been craving some shrimp fried rice for days.”

“You always crave shrimp fried rice,” smirked Xander.

“What's your point, besides those things sticking up around your head,” Paige retorted.

“I thought you liked my hair,” Xander pouted.

“Yes, I do, but the neon green spikes do get a bit much sometimes.”

“Should I make them pink?” he asked hopefully.

“NO!” Paige and Alexa yelled in unison. They pulled into the parking lot of the take out place, Xander got out to get their food. “So...” began Alexa after a few minutes of silence.

“If you're going to make a smart ass comment about the guy in the store today, keep it to yourself.”

“Well, he was pretty, umm...gorgeous.”

“Yeah...but I'm not, so what's the point.”

“I could hit you for that. You have the prettiest eyes, and I'd kill for your hair.” Lex pointed at Paige's messy bun. Paige sighed.

“If you say so...”

“Let's just forget it, here comes Xander with the food. Let's go home, eat a good meal, and watch a movie. What're you in the mood for?”

“I dunno, isn't it Xander's turn to pick?” Paige asked as Xander got into the car.

“I heard my name. What did I do this time?”

“What didn't you do?” Alexa said with a wink.

“I was just saying that it's your turn to pick the movie.” Paige answered.

“Oooo! Well, in that case, I pick...Dracula, because Gary Oldman makes one sexy vampire”

Paige giggled, “Can't argue with you there.”

The rest of the night was quiet and relaxing. Chinese food, a good movie, and friends that were more like family. Paige tucked into bed that night feeling happy and content. Today had been a good day. She snuggled with her goose down pillows and the stuffed puppy her grandfather had given her as a baby, and fell asleep.

Saturday -

The next day was Saturday, inventory day at the store. Paige, unable to work on her own notes, was helping Mariska process all of the books they received in their shipment, along with the ones people had brought in as donations. The store, dealing in new and used books, thrived on the donations of their customers. Paige pulled out a copy of The Vampire Lestat and smiled. She pulled it aside, in hopes that the handsome stranger Garrett would come back for it.

“I'm going to make a lunch run Kah. Do you want anything?” Paige called to the next shelf.

“Where are you going?” Mariska called back, from the opposite direction Paige had thought she was.

“Noodles?”

“Oh, that sounds good. I'll have some buttered with chicken. And have them throw on some of those salts I like”

“You got it. Back in twenty!” Paige called as she headed outside.

Thirty minutes later she was walking back into the store with lunch. “You won't believe how long those lines were! I thought my bladder would burst waiting for them to get out of my way. Where do you want me to put these?” She called through the shelves. “Never mind, they'll be in the office, I have got to pee before I do anything else.” Paige dropped the bags on the desk and sprinted into the bathroom.

She walked back into the shop and saw Mariska talking to a customer, her customer. Her stomach was in her throat...how long had he been here? Had he just heard her yelling about her bladder? She pushed that out of her head and moved on.

“Hi again. Back already?” Paige asked the man in what she hoped was a confident voice.

“Nice to see you again. Yes. I finished the book, I couldn't put it down.” Garrett smiled back at her.

“Lunch is on the desk Kah, I'll take this one.” Paige said sweetly. Mariska grinned and went to the office for lunch. Paige turned her attention back to her customer, “So are you ready for the next one? We just got a copy in today as a matter of fact.”

“Do I need to turn in this one to get the next book like a library?”

“Nope, that's all yours. And like I said, the next one is half off.” Paige smiled.

“I would like that very much. You are quite the salesperson.” Garrett said.

Paige grinned and blushed, “Thanks, but my real passion is literature. That's why I spend my time here. I just love to read.”

“So it seems,” Garrett replied. “What are you reading right now?”

“Oh,” Paige flushed, “umm, I'm comparing the British and American versions of the Harry Potter books. I'm about seven chapters into the first one, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, or Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, that's the British title. Have you ever read them?”

“No, but my younger cousins love them. Aren't they supposed to be kids books?”

“No! Well, technically they fall into the category of Children's Literature, but really they are great for any age. If you're interested we have a few copies around here...” Paige trailed off.

“Maybe some other time.” Garrett replied. Seeing the crestfallen look that Paige could not disguise he quickly added, “I like the one you picked out for me so much, I want to read the next part first, before I start on another one.”

Paige smiled weakly, “So do you need anything else today?” she asked as she walked behind the counter.

“No, I think this will be it. What's the damage?”

“It will be...” Paige punched the numbers on the cash register, “Two dollars and eighty four cents for that one.”

“Sounds good by me,” Garrett replied as he pulled out his money. He handed Paige the money and waited for his change.

“Ok, from three dollars, you get...sixteen cents back,” Paige handed him his change and reached for her bottle of water.

Garrett headed for the door, turning around before he walked out, “Be careful how much you drink; you don't want your bladder to overfill.” He smirked and walked out. Paige sat down on the stool behind the desk feeling mortified, so he had heard her yelling about needing to pee. Great, just the impression she wanted to leave on him. Paige sighed and stood, walking back to the office to eat her nearly forgotten lunch. Mariska greeted her with a smirk. “Not a word from you.” Paige glared at the other woman.

“I wasn't going to say a word...” Mariska replied. “Not one little word.”

The next few days Paige was out of the shop. Mariska had high schoolers help her on Sunday and Monday, so she didn't need Paige to come in. So Paige spent some time with the twins. She proofread compositions for Alexa was busy filling out college applications. Xander on the other hand, well, he was busy attempting to master the next level in Dance Dance Revolution. His neon green head was bouncing around the tiny living room.

“How many hours a day do you play that stupid game?” Alexa called to Xander from the kitchen.

“Not nearly enough. I still can't perfect this song.” Xander huffed back from his game.

Paige sat looking at Alexa while she wrote. Alexa's beautiful mahogany hair was pulled back into a neat pony tail today. Her blue eyes deep in concentration as she attempted to make herself sound good to the multitude of universities she was applying to.

“Xander, shouldn't you be getting to work soon?” Paige sighed.

“Yeah, probably, but I have to get this song done fir—ahhh!” Xander called.

Paige and Alexa came running in from the kitchen yelling together, “What happened?!”

“Slipped.” Xander moaned from the ground.

“Are you alright?” Alexa asked.

“Do you need to see a doctor?” Paige said at the same time.

“No, no, I'll be fine. But now I can't beat this stupid song today.” Xander grumbled.

Paige grinned as Alexa said, “Then I guess you had better get ready for work dear brother. The rent won't pay itself you know.”

“I know. I know.” Xander sighed as he pulled himself up and stomped off to his room to change and have a good sulk before work.

“What a baby.” Alexa said rolling her eyes.

“I heard that!” Xander yelled from his room. “And don't forget. I'm older than you are!”

“By what? Six minutes?! That doesn't count!” Paige laughed at the bickering twins. This was family. This was home.

Wednesday -

Tuesday Paige was off from work for a doctor's appointment. Routine physical. And so, with a clean bill of health, she was back at the shop on Wednesday. Mariska had things under control, so Paige finally got back to her notes. So there she was, sitting on the window seat in her alcove; hair in a bun, pencils sticking out, highlighter in one hand, notebook on her knees, and the books open in front of her. She sat sipping her raspberry hot chocolate and soaking up the warm spring sun that shone through the window.

Paige was so involved in her notes that she didn't notice the door open, or the man who walked in. It wasn't until he was standing right next to her that she knew he was there. “Hello there bookworm.” He said with a grin.

Paige nearly fell off her seat she was so stunned to see him. “Oh, umm, hi,” she stammered.

“Sorry to disturb you.” Garrett said trying hard not to laugh.

“Oh, no problem, I needed a break from this anyways.” Paige replied, attempting to regain her composure somewhat.

Garrett smiled, “I just wanted to let you know that I had finished that book.”

“Oh, good!” Paige grinned. Literature, this she could talk about. “Did you want the next in the series? I'm sure we have a copy around here somewhere.”

“No, thank you. Actually, I don't think that they are really my style after all.” Garrett said thoughtfully. Paige looked heart broken. “I would however, be interested in taking a look at those Harry Potter books you keep gushing over.”

Paige blushed furiously. “This way.”

“By the way shop girl, do you come with a name?” Garrett said slyly.

“Oh, sorry, yeah! Hi, I'm Paige. Paige Montgomery.” she replied blushing. I have to stop doing that. She led him over to the stack where the Harry Potter books were held. She grabbed one from the top. “Here's the one you want. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.” she said handing him the book. She turned to walk towards the counter when Garrett called to her.

“Paige?” She turned back to face him.

“Yeah?”

“I think you dropped this.” he said holding up a chain.

“That's not mine.” Paige replied as she stepped closer to examine what he had found. It appeared to be a garnet amulet on a silver chain. Paige reached for it to have a closer look at the beautiful piece of jewelry. Their hands brushed, and it felt like the world was spinning. Paige was lightheaded from just the slightest touch of his fingers. This must be what it feels like to travel by portkey she mused.

Once things stopped spinning Paige looked around. She nearly fainted at the sight that met her eyes. No longer were they in the little bookshop on the corner. They were standing next to a...forest? But how could that be? There was a small house next to them and they could hear barking from inside the walls. She turned her attention towards Garrett, who looked more stunned than she was.

“What just happened? Where are we?” he said in a small voice.

“I don't know.” Paige replied softly. “It looks familiar somehow...” Paige turned around to look behind her. That looked like, but no, it couldn't be. Could it? It was... “Hogwarts...” Paige whispered.

Garrett stared at her in stunned silence. “Wait a minute.” he blinked. “You mean...we're in a...book?!”

“I don't know...” Paige was still staring at the large castle looming in front of them. “I don't know how, but I think we are.”

“But...”

“I just don't know,” Paige said. No sooner had the words left her mouth than a shadow fell over them.

“Oi! You there! Wha're ya doin' 'ere?” The man spoke. Hagrid.

“Oh, sorry. We got a bit turned around. We're umm, exchange students doing some additional studies now that we've graduated. We're supposed to find the headmaster to set up a study schedule.” Paige lied quickly. Well, it wasn't a complete lie, they did need to find Dumbledore, if anybody knew how to get them back to the store, it would be him.

“Ah, yer lookin' fer Dumbledore then eh?” Hagrid asked pleasantly.

“Yes.” said Paige simply, as Garrett continued to stare in amazement. They followed Hagrid up to the castle, through the large wooden front doors, and to the headmaster's office.

“Sugar Quills.” Hagrid said importantly and the gargoyle sprang to life. Hagrid, followed by Paige, who was dragging Garrett, stepped into Dumbledore's office. “Visitors to see yer Professor. Say they're exchange students.”

“Thank you Hagrid, I'll take it from here.” Dumbledore said, looking surprising calm to be seeing two strangers in Muggle clothing standing unannounced in his office. “Please, have a seat.” He motioned to the pair. Paige drifted towards one of the chairs, staring in awe at the man sitting behind the desk. She sat down and waited for Garrett to do the same. “Please have a seat Mr....”

“Hart.” Garrett croaked as he found his way to the other chair.

“Ah, yes. And you are Miss...”

“Montgomery.” Paige replied with a bit more confidence.

“Very good.” Dumbledore smiled. “Now, what can I do for you today? I hadn't heard anything about any exchange students coming. Where are you from?”

“Well...” began Paige, “I supposed exchange students is only partially true. We have completed the required education where we're from. And we did need to find you. But I'm afraid that's all that's true about the story we gave Hagrid.”

Dumbledore continued smiling, waiting for her to go on.

“Ok,” Paige sighed, “You see, we were standing in a bookshop where I work. I had taken a book off the shelf to hand to a customer.” she paused and motioned to Garrett. “Then he picked up a necklace from the ground. I had never seen it before. He was handing it to me and when our hands met we were...transported. The next thing I knew we were standing next to Hagrid's hut.” Paige finished and let out a breath.

Dumbledore looked at them for a few moments before he spoke. “May I see this necklace?”

“Oh, umm, sure.” Paige pulled the amulet forward, still clutched tightly in her hand, and set it on Dumbledore's desk. The old wizard – wizard she thought he's really a wizard, which means magic is real here...I wonder if...her thoughts trailed off. Dumbledore examined the amulet and it's chain thoroughly.

“Garnet,” he said finally, “Set in silver, on a silver chain. Beautiful piece of jewelry you have here.”

“Thank you,” Paige whispered, “but it's not mine. We just found it.”

“Ah, I see. Well then, I suppose we will need to find out how this works won't we?” Dumbledore grinned.

“Yes, that's why we came to find you.”

“Well Miss...Montgomery is it?”

“Yes sir”

“Ah, right, Miss Montgomery, could you tell me a bit more about where you were before you came here? The location of this store you mentioned? Or the title of the book you were holding perhaps?”

Paige's expression became grave. How could she tell the man sitting before her he wasn't real? Perhaps he already knew...she took a deep breath, let it out, and began to tell him.

“Well, umm, you see...” Paige stammered.

“I can see that this is causing you a great deal of strain to tell me. It is no matter. These things may be kept private. I do not wish to pry where I do not belong.” He saw the relief flood over Paige's face and his eyes twinkled in the candle light. “Well, until we figure out this puzzle, it seems that you will be staying with us. Perhaps we should arrange for some living quarters for the two of you.”

Paige had not considered that they would need a place to sleep, she had assumed that Dumbledore would know just what to do to send them home. You know what happens when you assume dear, she heard her mother's voice in her ear and she smiled. “Yes, thank you, that would be nice.”

“Certainly, I shall have to confer with Professor McGonagall of course, but I see no reason why you couldn't stay with the Gryffindors for the night. How does that sound to you?”

Paige's face lit up, and Garrett continued to stare in amazement at the new world around him. “That would be wonderful sir. Thank you.”

“And how about you Mr. Hart? Would the Gryffindors be suitable companions for you during your stay with us?”

“Yeah, sure, that's fine,” Garrett said.

“Excellent! I shall have Professor McGonagall informed at once that the guest dormitories need to be made up. They branch off from the Gryffindor common room, just like the other dormitories, but they have separate entrances so you'll have your own private toilets as well.”

“That is very generous of you professor. Would you mind if we took a look around the castle a bit while we wait for Professor McGonagall?” Paige asked timidly.

“Well certainly you may!” Dumbledore said enthusiastically, “This will be your home until we can figure out how to get you back to wherever it is that you came from. We should, however, compose a story for the rest of the staff and the students, for why you are with us.”

“What would you suggest sir?” Paige looked worried. Would they be able to stay? Would they have to leave? Where would they go?

“How would you like to be tutors for the Muggle Studies classes?” Dumbledore asked. “Since you have lived that life and would know it quite well.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful!” Paige sighed. “We would be happy to help!” Paige beamed. Garrett grunted and made a half nod to show that he acknowledged their new situations.

“Wonderful! You will stay in the guest suites with the Gryffindors and join their table in the Great Hall at meal times. Now. I believe you wanted to have a look around the castle?”

“Yes sir.” Paige replied meekly.

“Well then off you go! Watch out for Peeves; he likes to make trouble.” Dumbledore grinned.

“We will sir, and thank you so much.” Paige got up to leave, motioning for Garrett to do the same. They were headed for the door when Dumbledore called them back.

“Miss Montgomery.” Dumbledore called to her.

I knew it, she thought, I knew it was too good to be true. “Yes Professor?”

“You are forgetting something.” he replied kindly, holding out the amulet.

“Oh! Thank you sir.” She blushed as she accepted the necklace. Paige tugged on Garrett's arm and they made their way back into the castle's corridors.

Garrett, finally finding his voice, turned to Paige, “So now what happens?”

Paige looked around them. “Well,” she paused, “I guess we play our parts in here until we can figure out how to get out of here.”

“But...we're in a book!”

“I know, I know, but there's nothing we can do about it right now. There's got to be a way, we got here didn't we. Something in this necklace brought us here, so surely it will bring us home. We just have to be patient for now.” She said with confidence. “You know, make the best of it.”

Garrett stared at her in disbelief. Stay here? He thought. How could they stay here? Here wasn't even real. It seemed though, that they didn't have a choice. So he followed Paige's lead as they walked along the corridor. “Do you know where we're going?”

“Well, I think so. We need to get to Gryffindor Tower. And according to what I've read it should be this way.” Paige replied, a thoughtful expression on her face. She led him through corridors and up staircases, 'round corners and past curious portraits.

“Who are they?” She could here the portraits asking each other. Garrett stared at them in shock.

“If you want to know something, ask me yourself.” Paige replied irritably. Not long after they stood in front of the Fat Lady's portrait.

“Password?”

Paige looked on with a feeling of dread in her stomach. “Oh, umm, we don't have the password. We've just come from seeing Dumbledore, he didn't give it to us.”

“I'm sorry dears.” The Fat Lady replied, “No password, no entrance.”

Paige sighed and turned around to face Garrett. “I guess we'd better go back and find someone with the password.”

Garrett nodded in agreement. They began the trek back to Dumbledore's office. “I just hope we don't run int-aaahhh!!!” Paige stood with Garrett soaking wet. “Peeves!”

Peeves floated over their heads with a now empty bucket which until just a few moments ago had been filled with water. Now the water was all over them. “Newbies here, I don't know you.” Peeves cackled.

“We're visitors of Dumbledore's,” Paige replied haughtily.

“Aww. Poo. No fun for Peevesy.” The ghost bounced and floated down the corridor, no doubt looking for his next victims.

“Are you alright?” Paige asked Garrett.

“I, uhh, I think so.” He stuttered. “What was that?”

“That was Peeves.”

“But, he's a...ghost?”

“Yes, he is.” Paige replied calmly. “This castle has many ghosts. Peeves is the only one you really need to worry about though. The rest are fairly benign.”

Garrett stood next to her dumbfounded. “How long are we going to be stuck in here? Who's going to get us out? And how will they do that IF THEY'RE NOT REAL?!”

“In here they are real. And if you tell them they aren't, then I don't know if we'll ever get out.” Paige said gravely.

“Well, let's just get dried off now.” Garrett grumbled.

“Fine.” Paige huffed. “Keep up, I'm not waiting for you.”

She spun around and headed back in the direction they came from, towards Dumbledore's office. Once there Paige stopped. “Password,” she whispered, “what was the password that Hagrid said when we came in here?”

“How should I know?” barked Garrett.

“You might want to pay more attention to what's going on around you from now on. You never know what you'll find wandering around this place. So I suggest you be a hell of a lot nicer to the one person in here that you know!” Paige spun around and stalked away.

Garrett stared after her in awe, then ran to catch up. “What's the big idea leaving me back there?”

“You're rude, obnoxious, ungrateful...” Paige called off, “Shall I go on?”

Garrett crossed his arms over his chest and sulked.

“Fine, have it your way. But like I said before, I'm not waiting for you. So if you don't want to be forgotten, I'd suggest that you keep up.” Paige said before rounding the corner.

She stopped so suddenly that Garrett ran into her, nearly knocking her over. “It's you...” she whispered.

“S-Sorry?” The man in front of her stuttered. “Do I know you?”

“Oh, uhh, no. Sorry.” Paige tried to recover. “You just looked familiar is all. We're new here, and we need to find Professor Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall. Do you know where we might find either of them?”

“Ahh, Professor M-McGonagall is in class, should be out in a f-few minutes.” Squeaked Professor Quirrell.

“Thank you professor.” Paige said meekly, wanting to get away from this man as quickly as possible. “We'll just wait for her then.”

Paige grabbed Garrett's arm and hurried him away, back in the direction that they came from. She was breathing heavily when Garrett finally stopped her. “What's going on? Why are you dragging me around? I thought you weren't waiting for me anywhere. Who was that? And why are we running away from him?”

“That was Professor Quirrell,” Paige panted, “and that turban he was wearing is hiding the Dark Lord Voldemort.”

“Who?!” Garrett shrieked, thoroughly confused.

“The most evil wizard around in the world right now, and possibly ever.” Paige said in awe.

“So why can't we just, I dunno, kill him?” Garrett shrugged.

“That would ruin the story!” Paige cried. “We can't to anything to alter this world.”

“Ok, Ok, I get your point.” Garrett said looking at the defiant look on Paige's face.

“Good, now let's get moving.” Paige took control. “We have to find Dumbledore and get the password to get into our rooms.”

Garrett rolled his eyes and followed Paige. After about ten minutes of searching, classes let out. Soon the corridors were filled with students and Paige and Garrett were caught up in the rush. And then, she saw him. It had to be him; the hair, the glasses, the red head walking along next to him; the bushy head of hair on his other side. It was Harry Potter himself. Struggling against being starstruck, Paige made her way towards the young celebrity. “It's him,” she whispered to Garrett. “It's Harry Potter.”

“You mean, we're going to...talk to him?” Garrett said.

“Well of course we are. He's a Gryffindor, he can give us the password to the common room.” Paige had regained her composure.

“Hiya Harry,” she called as they reached him. “We're here as Dumbledore's guests, and we're staying in the guest dorms in Gryffindor Tower. When we left his office, Dumbledore forgot to give us the password, and we can't find him to ask him. Could we follow you back up there?”

“How do you know me?” Harry looked at her with a curious expression.

“Everybody knows who you are mate,” replied the red head cheerily. Ron. Freckles, red hair and all. “You're a bit famous you know.”

“Do not trust them Harry, you don't know who they are, or why they are here.” Said the girl rather bossily. Hermione, just as bossy as ever. Paige suppressed a giggle.

“We are here to be tutors in the Muggle Studies program. We have finished our schooling at Muggle universities and we are here to help as a favor to Dumbledore. Since we are here as a favor to the headmaster, I would appreciate it if you would please show us some respect Miss...?”

“Granger.” Hermione replied sheepishly. Harry and Ron (though he had not yet been introduced as 'Ron') stared amazedly at Hermione; they had never seen her look so...small.

“Thank you. Now, Miss Granger, would you kindly help us to find Professor McGonagall? Or if she is not accessible, then would you please escort us back up to the common room. We have had a very long day. We have traveled here from far away and would like to get ourselves situated in our rooms a bit before dinner.” Paige said with as much authority in her voice as she could find.

“I uh, think she's -”

“You can come with us!” Ron nearly shouted. “I'm Ron by the way, Ron Weasley,” he grinned.

“Sure...” Hermione mumbled.

“I guess that would be alright.” Harry said.

“Thank you.” Paige replied politely, grinning at Ron as Garrett stood there continuing to be dumbfounded. “But first, is there anyway we can dry off?”

“Sece!” said Hermione with a flick of her wand.

So, as Paige and Garrett followed the trio back to Gryffindor Tower, feeling much better now that they weren't dropping puddles with every step they took, Paige grinned to herself. These three, that she had come to know so well through the many, many times that she had read and re-read the books, were standing here, walking along with her, and talking to her. She couldn't quite believe it. It was too amazing. If all of this is a dream, she thought to herself, never let me wake up.

This time through the halls was much easier. With the trio guiding them back to the Tower, it was hard to get lost. Once they reached the portrait door, the Fat Lady asked once again for the password. “fuzzy slippers” Hermione said importantly.

The portrait hole opened, and Harry, Ron and Hermione stepped in; followed cautiously by Paige and Garrett. “Don't take anything they offer you.” Ron said in a stage whisper as a pair of red heads bounded up to the group.

“Ruining our reputations again are you Ron?” One of them said. “You new around here?” he said with a whistle, looking Paige up and down, “because I am quite sure I would have recognized you.”

“What I think my horribly ill-mannered other half is trying to say; hi, we are George-” pointing to himself, “-and Fred,” he pointed to the other. “Welcome to Gryffindor Tower.”

“Well thank you.” Paige giggled. Thirteen, she reminded herself, they're only thirteen.

Garrett stood back a bit from the rest of the group. He rolled his eyes at the comments from the twins. Finally, he spoke for the first time since meeting the trio, “So where is it that we are supposed to be staying here?”

Paige startled a bit, she had almost forgotten that he was there, he was so quiet. “Yes,” she said, “do you know where our dorms are?”

“This way, this way, follow me,” a voice came out of the crowd. Another boy with read hair came strutting through. “I am a prefect after all. It is my duty to help our visitors.” he said importantly. “I am Percy Weasley, this way please.”

Paige snickered and followed, pulling Garrett along. “You'll be in the girl's, umm, women's, uhh, female dorm.” Percy said to Paige, blushing furiously, and indicating a door to their left. Paige fought the urge to giggle. “And you'll be in the, umm, male's” he finished, looking at Garrett, and pointing towards a similar door to their left. They separated at that point, Paige going off to the left, Garrett to the right, to explore the rooms that they would now be staying in.

Paige opened the door to her room, and was shocked at the size. Surely this was at least as large as the dormitories that the students had, and they were five to a room. Paige closed the door and moved into the room further. Directly opposite from the door was a large bay window, with a window seat, like the one in the bookshop, Paige chuckled to herself. In the middle, along the left wall stood a massive bed. Similar to what she expected was in the other dormitories, but bigger, much bigger.

The linens were of course crimson trimmed in gold. The furniture was made from beautifully carved, strong ceder, giving the room a pleasant, earthy scent. The room was fit for royalty. Paige wandered across the room to the beautiful, bay window, complete with a cushioned window seat. She stood there and looked out. The sight that greeted her was even more beautiful than she had imagined. Staring out over the grounds of Hogwarts, the colors of late fall in the evening light, the way the sun glittered on the lake, they sway of leaves on the trees of the Forbidden Forest, it was a sight she would never forget. She could see definitely see why Harry liked coming here.

On the right wall was another door. Paige walked over to open it, and found a spacious bathroom. There was an enormous bathtub, a spacious shower, a large, lighted mirror, a beautiful sink and counter. There were racks for towels, and a cabinet, presumably for clothing and toiletries to be kept.

Paige went back to the main room and kicked off her shoes; the soft, shag carpeting sinking beneath her feet. I could get used to this, she thought longingly. Paige sat down on the bed, and it enveloped her. She crawled up to the pillows and tested them out. Goose down, just like at home.

Paige had just closed her eyes when she heard a soft knocking on the door. Rising from the bed grudgingly, Paige walked back to the door. She had barely turned the knob when Garrett shoved the door open, nearly knocking her over. “What?!” She snapped, obviously annoyed.

“How can you leave me alone for so long, here, when I don't know anything!?!” He accused.

“What? You can't survive two minutes on your own?” she smirked.

“I- uh- that's not the point.” he huffed.

Raising her eyebrow, Paige said, “Oh really? Then what, prey tell, is the point?”

“The point is...” he began, “that we're both stuck here, and we shouldn't be separated.”

Paige rolled her eyes. “Sounds to me like somebody's afraid of the big bad castle.”

“I am not!” Garrett squealed. “I just don't think it's a good idea for us to be apart for too long. I don't know this world, and I couldn't pretend to.” He paused thoughtfully, “I need your help.”

“Oh! He admits it!” Paige shouted gleefully. “It's about time you pull that stick out of your ass and realized what was going on around you.”

“Fine! If you want to be like that, I'll leave you alone. I was just coming to tell you that McGonagall wants to see us for dinner.” He said, storming out, and slamming the door shut behind him.

“Men.” Paige sighed, throwing her arms up in the air. She shuffled back towards the bed to look for her shoes. She found them tossed halfway between the bed and the window. She slipped her feet back in and made her way back to the common room. It was considerably more empty than when she had gone into her room. Almost everyone had already gone down to the Great Hall for dinner. Garrett was standing rather impatiently for her near the fireplace. Professor McGonagall stood patiently near Paige's door, and Percy stood next to her, looking like a bird showing off it's plumage.

“Good evening Miss Montgomery,” McGonagall said pleasantly. “I am Professor McGonagall, Transfigurations professor, and Head of Gryffindor House. Welcome.”

“Good evening Professor,” Paige replied politely.

“Professor Dumbledore has informed me of the situation-” at this Paige paled, did Dumbledore tell her about the necklace? “and I am most pleased to have visiting students here with us.” Paige relaxed a bit at this.

“Thank you for your kind hospitality Professor.” Paige smiled at her.

“You are quite welcome Miss Montgomery.” McGonagall smiled at her. “Mr. Hart over here isn't very vocally inclined is he?” she said gesturing towards Garrett.

“No,” Paige grinned. “He certainly isn't.” Not in front of anybody else anyways, she thought to herself. “Professor?”

“Yes dear?”

“Are we going to be heading to dinner soon?”

“Oh, well, Dumbledore and I have spoken, and we have decided that for your first night here, it is best not to draw attention. So the two of you may eat here, or in the private sitting room set away for tutors.”

“Private sitting room?” Paige inquired.

“Yes, didn't you notice when you were looking over your rooms?” McGonagall asked. “There is a room set off to the side that connects to each of your rooms.”

It was Paige's turn to be awestruck. How did I miss that? She wondered. Garrett was smirking over at the fireplace. Clearly he had already found this little piece of hidden architecture. Paige struggled to control her embarrassment at not finding the room. “I hadn't fully explored the rooms yet professor. It has been quite a long day and I found myself nearly asleep on the bed when Garrett came to tell me that you were here.” Paige said rather sheepishly.

“That is only to be expected after a long journey of course.” Professor McGonagall nodded. “Mr. Hart, can you show Miss Montgomery where the meeting room is?”

“Of course Professor.” Garrett replied with an air of superiority. Paige scowled at him.

“Wonderful.” McGonagall smiled at him. “I'll have the house elves bring something up for you. Make yourselves comfortable. I will see you in the morning to discuss your new schedules. We will meet in the Headmaster's office after breakfast.

“Thank you Professor.” Paige said, regaining some of her dignity.

“Have a nice evening. Miss Montgomery, Mr. Hart.” McGonagall nodded at each of them before swishing out the portrait hole, followed closely by Percy Weasley, looking an awful lot like a puppy waiting for approval.

Paige turned to Garrett but before she could say anything, he spoke. “So you really didn't find that room?!”

“You don't have to gloat you know.” Paige said sourly.

“Wow. I thought you knew everything about this place.” he smirked.

Paige sighed, “I never said I knew everything. The books certainly do not describe every detail of every part of the castle.”

“Fine, fine,” Garrett continued to smile. He has a really nice smile, Paige thought.

“So are you going to show me where this room is, or not?”

“What's in it for me?” he winked.

“I don't get anything from the twins to use on you.” Paige smirked. That seemed to work, judging by the rapidly paling complexion Garrett was acquiring.

“Well, when you put it that way...”

“I thought you would see it my way.” Paige said confidently.

“So your room or mine?”

Paige stared at him, her jaw nearly hitting the floor.

“To get into the sitting room? Paige?” he barely suppressed a laugh.

“Uhm...whichever,” she replied, blushing furiously.

“Alright, let's head through mine then, since you haven't been able to find your door yet.”

Paige rolled her eyes and followed him to the door to the right of the fireplace. They stepped in and Paige looked for the differences between their rooms. This one seemed to be nearly a mirror image of hers. The bed was on the right wall instead of the left, and the door to the bathroom was on the left. The window in this room was slightly smaller than the one in her room, she noticed with a satisfied grin. And the window seat was not nearly as comfortable looking. She assumed that the door to their common sitting room would be somewhere on the left as well, since it connected the two rooms. Sure enough, Garrett walked over to a place on the wall that looked to be a wardrobe. When he opened the doors there was no room for clothes, but a small corridor. Paige grinned to herself, enter the wardrobe to find a hidden world, a book within a book here.

Paige followed Garrett through the wardrobe door, down a short corridor, and into a spacious sitting room, which looked a bit like a mirror of the common room. In fact, the fireplace looked suspiciously like it was just the back of the common room's fireplace. There were large, comfortable chairs, as well as a table which was surrounded by four chairs, one on each side. There were two places set at the small table, ready for them to sit and eat.

“When do you think the food will get here?” Garrett asked, breaking the silence.

“I don't know. Maybe if we sit down it will appear?” Paige wondered, half to herself.

“Appear? What do you mean 'appear'?” Garrett looked slightly worried.

“Well, in the books, at the start of the feasts, food appears on plates while all the students are seated at their tables. Maybe the table is waiting for us to sit down before the food comes.”

“I suppose we should give it a try then?” Garrett said, not sure what else to do.

“Alright,” Paige said as she sat. Garrett followed her lead. Sure enough, as soon as they were both seated and comfortable mounds of food filled their plates. Piles of roast turkey, mountains of mashed potatoes, and a pool of gravy. A generous supply of rolls, and a large helping of fresh cranberries topped it off. For a few moments they could do nothing but stare at the food sitting in front of them. Not quite daring to believe that it was real. Paige helped herself to a modest serving of turkey, and a pile of mashed potatoes. She drowned them in gravy and added a pair of rolls to the side. Garrett took a single slice of turkey, and barely a spoonful of potatoes, broke a roll in half, and took no gravy.

“You don't eat much,” Paige said as she swallowed a bite of turkey.

“Well, I'm just...” Garrett paused, not sure what to say. “I'm just still having trouble accepting that this place, is real.”

“I know what you mean.” Paige replied thoughtfully. “Being here, in Hogwarts, well...it's something that I've dreamed about doing since I first read these books. But now that I'm here, and I don't seem to be waking up, it's a bit scary. I guess it would be even more so for you, since you aren't familiar with the books at all.”

“Exactly. That's what I've been trying to tell you. I don't know what's going on here. You seem to know everyone and everything around us here.” Garrett sighed. “I don't know anything about this place.”

Paige looked up from her plate, “I'm sorry.”

“What for?”

“For getting you stuck here, for leaving you alone, for not understanding.” Paige whispered.

“It's not your fault. I'm sorry too. I've been a jerk, it's just that...I feel so lost here.” Garrett paused and chuckled, “I suppose I shouldn't make enemies with the only person here that I know.”

Paige smiled at him. “Well now that we've got that settled. Let's finish this food! I'm starving, and it's amazing.”

Garrett grinned back at her, and loaded his plates with food.

“Oh, so you can eat.” Paige teased.

“I can out eat you!” he challenged playfully.

“In your dreams Hart!” Paige grabbed another roll and piled some cranberries onto her plate. Garrett laughed back at her and they ate the rest of their meal in comfortable silence.

Twenty minutes later Paige and Garrett were sitting in the big squishy arm chairs in front of the fireplace. “That was some good turkey.” Garrett said, patting his stomach.

“See, I told you so,” Paige winked at him. They both laughed.

“I guess it's not so bad here after all.” Garrett let out a contented sigh.

“No, not bad at all.” Paige said smiling. “But we haven't had to meet anyone yet. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.”

“You had to go and ruin my mood didn't you.” Garrett said in mock disappointment.

“Oh shush, it won't be that bad.”

“Well sure, not for you, you know all of them already.” Garrett pouted.

“Right, which makes it harder for me, because I have to pretend that I don't know anything.” Paige paused. “And no wise cracks from you...”

“I didn't say a word.” Garrett said with a grin.

“Anyways,” Paige said, rolling her eyes, “we should probably be getting some sleep if we want to make a good impression on everyone in the morning.”

“Good point. You know, I sleep better when I'm not alone,” Garrett winked at her.

“In your dreams Hart.”

“Oh, it will be...” Garrett turned to head back to his room.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Paige called after him.

“Follow me if you want to know.” Garrett called back to her.

Paige rolled her eyes and headed down the opposite hall, back towards her room. She paused briefly and turned around, tempted to go back and follow him. She shook those thoughts from her head and turned back towards her room. I need some sleep, she though, and maybe a cold shower.

Paige emerged into her room through the wardrobe as she had anticipated. She kicked off her shoes again and headed into the bathroom. There were towels hanging on the rack for her. She opened the cabinet and found some spare clothes, robes, for her to wear in the morning, as well as a pair of pajamas for bed tonight. Paige turned on the taps in the large tub, then went looking in the cabinet for some oils. She found some rose and sandalwood oils and poured them into the running water. She shed her clothes and placed them on a shelf in the cabinet.

Paige turned off the taps when the tub was full and slid into the hot water, letting it cover her body. This was just what she needed after the day that they had had. The oils smelled wonderful and calming. It was something that she did at home, and that comforted her. The more things that she could use to remind herself of home, the better she felt. She closed her eyes and sank into the water completely, luxuriating in the feeling.

After about an hour, and the water hadn't lost any of it's warmth, it must be charmed, Paige told herself, she pulled herself out of the tub and climbed to the shower to rinse off. After a quick wash and rinse, she dried off and pulled on the pajamas that were in the cabinet for her. They were soft, so very soft. She wrapped up her hair in a towel and strolled back into her room. This place was feeling more like home by the minute.

Paige walked over to the window and climbed up onto the cushioned seat. It was soft and comfortable. She looked over the grounds once again. Hogwarts by starlight was beautiful. The stars reflected off the lake, little twinkling lights. They held magic in themselves. They were both mysterious and comforting. Paige sighed contentedly. After several minutes, and almost nodding off three times, Paige decided to get up and climb into bed. The down pillows, and the soft linens were inviting. Paige was asleep nearly as soon as she settled between the sheets. Paige dreamed that night.

She was laying in bed, in the hours before dawn. A noise had woken her. She looked around the room in the dim light of her bedside candle. She saw him at the foot of her bed. Standing there, watching her sleep. When he saw she had woke up, he moved to the bed side. She sat up. She should have been scared, a man in her room in the middle of the night...and she was here all alone. Yet she was perfectly calm.

He sat down on the edge of the bed and gestured to her. She looked up at him, and moved closer. He reached for her, pulling her face to his. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. It asked nothing, just a gentle brushing of lips. He pulled away slightly, gaging her reaction. When she made no attempt to protest, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again. This time it was deep, searching. She melted against him, leaning back against the pillows.

Paige woke with a start. It was still dark out, but the stars and the candle illuminated the room quite brightly. She was disoriented for a few moments. Looking quickly around the room, trying to get her bearings. Once she realized where she was she let out a sigh. After calming her heat down to a normal pace, she lay back against the pillows, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Thursday -

The next morning Paige woke up in a bit of a haze. The sun was shining brilliantly through her window, and it took her a moment to remember where she was. The smell of rose and sandalwood from the previous night lingered on her skin. She smiled and slowly opened her eyes. She yawned and stretched, and would have stayed in bed longer if it hadn't been for her stubborn bladder. So she dragged herself into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

When she came out of the bathroom, she found a note on the bedside table. She couldn't remember if it had been there when she got up or not.

Miss Montgomery-

Professor Dumbledore and I feel that it is best for you and Mr. Hart to enjoy your breakfast in your quarters again this morning. Until we have our meeting, it seems best not to introduce you to the school in the Great Hall. Please meet me outside the Headmaster's office at nine o'clock this morning. Then we can work out a schedule for you, and get you set up with some classes and study times.

Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall, deputy headmistress

Paige finished brushing her hair and stepped into the spare robes that were set in the cabinet for her. She stepped in front of the mirror to take in her appearance. I certainly looked the part here, she mused. After a few quick touches, and a glance out the window, she'd never get sick of that view, she set off to the sitting room she was sharing with Garrett.

She walked in and froze, apparently he had been given robes as well, she though, wondering why she hadn't expected that, and damn did he look good in them! Paige shook her thoughts and moved into the room all the way. “Good morning.” he said pleasantly, smirking as if he had seen what she had just been thinking.

“Good morning,” she smiled back at him. “Did you sleep well?”

“Like a dream. These beds are amazing!”

“Yes, they are incredibly comfortable.” Paige sighed dreamily.

“So I suppose we are getting breakfast the same way that we got our dinner last night.”

“I would assume so.” Paige replied.

“Well, you know what they say about assuming...” Garrett chuckled.

“My mother always says the same thing!” she grinned.

“Well I guess your mother is a very wise woman.” Garrett nodded. “She must be something to have put up with you for all these years.” he teased.

“Hey now,” Paige warned, “behave or I'll go find those Weasley twins and have them put something nasty in your bed tonight.”

Garrett looked at her like he was going to challenge that statement, but then thought better of it. “Oh fine, shall we have a seat then? I think I'd like some food.”

At that the two of them sat down once again at their little table and once again their plates were filled with food. Pastries, spreads and tea appeared in front of them like a dream buffet. Paige immediately reached for a croissant and the Nutella spread. She ripped her pastry in half and smeared it with the delicious hazelnut spread.

“You certainly seem to like your toppings don't you,” Garrett mused, recalling the gravy she had her turkey swimming in the night before.

“The more the better,” Paige grinned.

“So what do you think our schedules will be like?” Garrett asked as he poured himself a cup of tea.

“Well, I can't say for sure. Tutors, especially American Muggles, aren't really something that you would see in the books.” she replied, “but if I were to guess, I'd say that we will probably be sitting in on some classes, then be set up in the library, or an office, or an empty classroom, to help the students with their homework.”

Garrett was spreading butter on a muffin as Paige continued, “That seems to be the way this whole tutor thing works anyways. I used to be a tutor when I was in high school. And back home,” she paused, back home already felt so far away, “I help some of my friends with their studies.”

“When do you have time for you?” Garrett asked in awe. “I mean, you work in the shop, you help your friends, you have about a hundred side projects going on at once...” he trailed off.

Paige chuckled, “I get a lot of downtime at the store, so I work on my side projects there mostly. But you see, those are things that I really enjoy, so project time and what you call 'me time' are almost always the same thing.”

“So I guess you'll be in charge of this tutor thing.” Garrett said, “Since I only barely made it out of school.”

Paige paused, trying to come up with a sympathetic reply. “Well, from what I can tell, there really isn't a very good description of a Muggle Studies class in the books, all that we really have to do is help them to know what being a Muggle is like.”

“You know, you keep saying that word, Muggle, what is a Muggle anyways?”

Paige chuckled, “Muggles are what wizards call people who have no magical abilities. You know, like us, who just happened upon an old necklace and got ourselves stuck in a book.”

Garrett had to laugh at that. “Yeah, I suppose we are. Stuck in a book, that still seems so hard to believe. But we're really here aren't we?”

“Yeah, it certainly seems that way. I couldn't believe it myself, but after falling asleep and then waking up here again, well...it's kind of hard to deny it any longer.”

“True enough.” Garrett said, helping himself to more tea and polishing off his muffin. “Do you want any?” he asked, offering the tea to Paige.

“Oh, yes, thanks.” she replied, taking the cup and allowing it to warm her hands. She inhaled the soothing aroma and sipped at it. “I could really get used to this place.”

“I think I know what you mean.” Garrett agreed. “Except that I still don't know anybody here, or really anything about them.”

Continued in part two which lj hates me and won't let me link

my angel story

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:12:45 GMT

I wrote this for a class assignment, and although I have taken some creative license (I don't remember everything, I was 2 1/2), this did actually happen...

Its a beautiful, crisp fall day. The sun is shining and a soft breeze blows. The temperature is just about to touch eighty degrees so we leave our jackets behind. The Bright Beginnings preschool heads out the door to go to the park.

Now, to get to the park we have to cross the street and go over the bridge; so Miss Suzie pulls out the long, yellow rope and holds onto the end. Miss Charlotte holds the other end and we all find a place to hold on somewhere in between. Once we all have a firm grasp on the rope, Miss Suzie whistles and we head out the door. The actual distance to the park is about a block and a half, but to us anxious three and four year-olds it took forever to get there.

As we march along, our anxious little feet going as fast as Miss Suzie will let us, we decide to sing a song to keep ourselves entertained. I can't remember today what song it was, but I'd guess it was "The Wheels on the Bus", or something equally catchy. Then, finally, on the last chorus of the song, we were there.

We stood at the edge of the park with our eyes glistening in anticipation, waiting for the signal to go. We stood and looked around to see where we would go play first. There were the swings, the see-saw, the merry-go-round, and countless things to climb on; and there, right in the middle of it all, was the giant seven foot slide.

Now, this attraction was a coveted piece of playground equipment. The top had bars and it was like a fortress. As soon as Miss Suzie let us go it was a mad race to see who would control this "Fortress of Fun".

Theresa, Charlie and I were the first to get there. We had control. Theresa, being the oldest and tallest, went first. She flew down that slide, her raven hair flowing out behind her. She raced to the bottom while we cheered her on. As Theresa made her climb back up to the top, Charlie took his turn.

At last, it was my turn. I stepped up to the bar and I was ready to go. Just then Charlie calls me from the ground. I turned to see what he wanted and twisted my foot. I lost my balance and tumbled over the edge, falling to the ground.

I landed on my back, on the hard, wood-chip-covered ground. I was in shock and could not move. Everything around me was a blur, and in slow motion, all at once. Miss Suzie came rushing over; she could not believe what had just happened. The teachers brought me back to the school (a fact that later I realized they shouldn't have done, but that's a whole other story.)

Miss Suzie called an ambulance and then called my mom. When my mom got there I was laying on a cot. She walked into the room and my eyes went to her and they filled up with tears. I was so scared. The paramedics came and they put me on this long board and carried me into the ambulance.

The ride to the hospital was something I'll never forget. The medics were all very nice to me. The one that I remember most clearly was the one that was sitting with me and my mom in the back. I was lying on the board, and he was holding my head so I wouldn't move it and injure myself further, since they hadn't determined the extent of damage that I had received yet. He kept talking, asking me questions and such. I think that this was done in part to keep me calm, but mostly so I would stay awake, in case I had a concussion. I think his name was Josh, or some other equally short name; I can't quite remember anymore. The ride was the first time my mother or I had been in an ambulance (and we both hoped it would be the last).

I don't remember much about being at the hospital, or the rest of the day for that matter. It all just kind of blurred together. It was a huge scare to all of my family, they were all afraid that I would have permanent damage. But when we left the hospital, they said that I would be fine, just a few bumps and bruises. They said that I had gotten very lucky. But I knew it was more than just luck.

Sometimes when I look back I can remember every millisecond from the top of the slide to the ground, but other times I just remember being on top of the slide and then being on the ground, and nothing in between. When I hit the ground it wasn't a hard landing, if felt like falling onto a pillow, and all around me was a golden light. I was the only one that saw the light or felt it around me, but I know, that the only reason that I did not sustain any permanent damage is because my guardian angel laid down and caught me as I landed, cushioning my fall.

Today I'm not sure that people believe that I was "Touched by an Angel", but I know what I felt, and I know what could have happened to me had my angel not been there to catch me. And so take this story as you like, but I know what happened, and I guess that I'm the only one that could, since it happened to me.