Welcome Back to Oasis Hill! [January 26th, 2012] {All staff and students}

[Gabrielle Amorcya]

It was that time of the year again. The beginning of a new school year. It was a time the professors looked forward to. A time the students anxiously awaited. The school invitations had been sent out a month ago, and all students had responded accordingly. All students had picked up the appropriate books and equipment they’d need. So far, everything was turning out perfectly.

It was all hustle and bustle in the kitchens as the house elves hurried about the place trying to get everything ready in time for the students’ arrival at Oasis Hill Academy. There was a slight air of excitement amongst the house elves. They enjoyed the Welcome Back Feast more than any other feast they prepared. It was the biggest feast of the year, even bigger than the end of year feast, and that was a big feast. It was so exciting to have the students back again.

----

Gabrielle Amorcya leaned dangerously over the railing of the boat as it took them to their destination – Oasis Hill Academy. She was extremely excited to be returning to the school. She loved the school. It was like a second home to her. But she was mostly excited about being able to see her best friend again. Danielle Hale, the girl she’d befriended on the very first day of their very first year. The two had grown closer over the years, and were now practically inseparable. Gabrielle danced around anxiously as she waited for the boat to pull into the Oasis Hill Academy docks. The docks had been specially made for the boats that came and went at the beginning and end of the year, and were charmed so that passersby’s couldn’t see them. It was all to protect Oasis Hill from Voldemort. The latest report was that he was on the move again, looking for the school somewhere in Egypt.

But this was not a time to think of Voldemort. Tonight was a good night, a special night. Gabrielle wanted it to hurry up and start. Her mouth was already watering at the thought of the delicious food the house elves would have prepared for them. She knew she wouldn’t be disappointed when she sat down at the Othello table.

Finally, the long trip came to an end. The boat pulled into the docks, and Gabrielle pushed her way to the front of the crowd. She wanted to be the first person to step onto the docks. And she was. She heard an angry crowd behind her, but didn’t care. The quicker she could get to the school, the quicker she could eat the delicious food and the quicker she could find Danielle and give her the hug she’d been waiting for all summer. Gabrielle ran down the docks towards the school, the wind whipping her hair across her face. She ignored the boat-drivers warning of, “Be careful, miss, the docks are slippery…” and pushed open the large iron doors to Oasis Hill Academy. Her breath caught in her throat. The school was just as beautiful and ivory as she remembered. A large smile planted on her face, Gabrielle pushed open the Dining Hall doors, and made her way inside, the rest of the students not far behind her.

Everyone was seated, Gabrielle sitting next to Michelle, clutching her sister’s hand tightly with excitement. She let out an excited squeal when Headmaster Chapman stood up to make his yearly welcome to the school. The Headmaster must have heard her, because he flashed a smile in her direction before beginning his speech. “To the old students and faculty, I welcome you back to Oasis Hill Academy! To the new students, I welcome you to our fantastic facility! I am proud to call you my students, as I hope you are proud to call me your Headmaster. I believe this year will be the best year. But I say that every year.” The Dining Hall rumbled with the appreciative chuckles of the students and faculty alike. “But enough of my talking. Dig in!” Headmaster Chapman raised his hands, and as if on cue, the food appeared on the four tables.

Gabrielle squealed again and let go of Michelle’s hand, piling the food onto her plate like there was no tomorrow. Almost immediately after, she started shoving the food into her mouth. She had to admit, the food here was better than what their cook at home made for them. With her mouth full of food, Gabrielle raised her goblet of pumpkin juice and exclaimed, "Here's to Oasis Hill Academy!" before taking a large gulp of the drink.

[Michelle Amorcya]

Michelle leaned against the railing of the the same old boat they rode in every year. She just watched her sister dance around, occasionally laughing at her. How she could have so much energy considering they had gotten up early that morning to finish packing. Everything they needed to do always seemed to get done at the last minute possible. She was surprised that they had gotten so much done over the break. As soon as the boat docked Michelle went to follow Gabrielle, but the girl seemed to be in to much of a hurry to wait much longer. She shrugged to herself, not really wanting to angry people so early in the year. Later was okay, just not right off the bat.

Finally making it into the school, Michelle couldn't help but stop and look around. The school was amazing. It was to pretty for it's own good. She smiled widely and finally decided to push her way into the dining hall. She hurried along, she spotted some younger kid reading the Daily Prophet, so she pulled it out of her hands, muttered a quick thanks before continuing on her way. The headline that got her attention was the Voldemort (Michelle actually thinking the name. Some people were still scared to say it, but she definitely wasn't one of them) was rumored to be in Egypt. Michelle frowned slightly before finally making it to her sister, who was already seated and ready for the food.

Everyone talked about random stuff up until the Headmaster stood up and addressed the school. Then finally he said Michelle's favorite words. "Dig in!" Michelle squealed right along with Gabrielle while reaching out and grabbing a roll before finally pushing the Daily Prophet into Gabrielle's lap. "Read the headline on page three and tell me where we were like a week and a half ago." She took a big bit of the roll before reaching over again and picking up some chicken and placing it on her plate. She absolutely loved the food at school, it was probably one of her favorite things. Plus the house elves never seemed to mind that she snuck into the kitchens whenever she wanted to. Though as much as she was super happy and excited to be back at school, the article her sister was currently reading surprised her. She wasn't really expecting it.

[Danielle Hale]

Danielle had been looking forward to this day for ages. Her summer flowing bye, and finally the day had come. She was sitting calmly on one of the seats inside the boat she was in, her legs crossed and barely a breeze going through her. Danielle had missed even the boats leading them towards the school, it had been a calm morning however. In sunny Australia, she got up, getting ready for the day ahead. Her clothes packed and she was ready to go, Danielles wand located on an inside pocket, she didn't think she'd see any muggles however, but still. Precautions.

She had flooed that morning to the docks, brushing herself down, Danielle was happy that she wasn't too messy. Her hair had been blowing around something chronic earlier, annoying the hell out of her until about an hour ago when they had sighted the school. Her trunk was with the others, everything safely packed away and she couldn't be bothered to get up and look over the side. Unfortunately, she had searched the whole boat earlier and hadn't found Gabrielle Amorcya, her best friend.

Dani had missed the girl like mad and couldn't wait to get chatting about everything. Soon enough, the boat gave a hink and came into the port. Jumping off and rushing through the crowds wondering why an earth everyone was being so slow! She walked into the school, not even at the front of the group but walking at a comfortable pace. The school hadn't changed a bit and was still as beautiful as ever, giving Dani the chance to smile at it all. This was practically her home! Next came dinner, sorting first years and all that jazz. Danielle just wanted to eat and get talking, endless chatter surrounding her as everyone sat down. She searched for her friends, her boyfriend Alec and couldn't find him.

It was ridiculously annoying having to eat dinner at your house table, and later allowed to move to another. It meant that many students just stayed put, no one could be bothered at the end of their meal, Danielle wasn't one of them. Luckily, the way she was facing, Danielle could see both twins on the Othello table. She tried catching Gabby's eye, smiling but to no avail, she was concentrating on something her sister was saying. No matter, she would talk to her soon enough. Danielle had spoken to Alec over the holidays, at her dads quidditch matches, and he had poppped round from time to time. Still, she hadn't seen him for about a week, despite the endless owls.

For now, Danielle joined in the pointless chit-chat of her fellow Aramians, they were after all the people she saw the most often bar Gabrielle and Michelle. Digging into her salad and munching on a crouton she didn't know when dessert would be served. Or even, what she would have, she was a big fan of the chocolate cake but the lemon drizzle was always a favourite too.

[Alec Edwards]

Alec wasn’t as fussed about the start of a new school year as the rest of his schoolmates seemed to be. He’d received countless owls from his dorm mates, the seventh year Othello girls and his friends in other houses proclaiming how excited they were to be going back to Oasis Hill and finishing their schooling years forever. Alec didn’t particularly want to leave Oasis Hill as eagerly as the rest of the seventh years did. He was quite content with the way things were. He liked having the normal routine of getting up each morning, going to breakfast and then going to class. He liked having all three important meals with the rest of the school. He liked sneaking into the kitchens late at night to get some food from the more-than-eager house elves. And most importantly, he liked being able to see Danielle Hale every day.

The day before, Alec had packed his trunk unenthusiastically, with help from his mother, who was chattering happily away about how important this year was for Alec. He didn’t quite care. He knew his N.E.W.Ts were coming up. He knew he’d have to study harder than usual for them. He knew he’d only pass them with average grades. That’s who he was. Alec the Average Student Edwards. He didn’t care. But his mother ignored his snide comments as she continued on about how proud she was of him for making it this far. Alec just rolled her eyes at him. Sure. She was saying that now after she’d just spent the last six years telling him he needed to shape up and get better grades.

Alec floo’d himself to the docks the morning of the inevitable return to Oasis Hill Academy. He arrived a few minutes early, and the boat was there waiting. He climbed aboard, took a seat outside, and waited for the return journey to begin. He’d searched quickly for Danielle, but hadn’t found her. He had run into Gabrielle Amorcya, who had also been looking for Danielle, but she hadn’t had any success, either. So he was to wait until they reached the school to see his girlfriend. That wasn’t fair. Sure, he’d seen her over the summer. But at the last minute, two weeks before they were due back at school, Alec’s mother had dragged him away from Australia to go traveling over to America to see his grandparents. That had been fun. Not.

Thankfully, the boat ride didn’t take that long. Or, it didn’t feel like it took that long. It probably went faster because Alec had been caught up in his own thoughts. As the boat pulled into the docks, Alec stood up. There was a crowd at the front of the boat as someone tried to push their way through to the front. No doubt it was Gabrielle. She did it every year. Alec only even knew the Amorcya girl because she was best friends with Danielle. The two were inseparable. They were always talking about something or other. Alec hardly understood them when they talked – they always talked so fast. And it was usually about crap, too. He watched the excited blonde girl run up the docks to the school, and followed the rest of the students towards Oasis Hill.

The school hadn’t changed. Everyone marveled over this fact every year. But what was so special about the school remaining the same? It meant they had to come back to the same ivory entrance, the same ivory coloured walls, and the same dining hall. Admittedly, Alec did love the food here. It changed every night. Alec liked a surprise. As he entered the dining hall, he kept his eyes peeled for Danielle, finally spotting her at the Aramia table. He waved slightly, grinned at her and sat down at his own table. He thought it was a stupid rule, being forced to stay at your own table until dessert. By the time dessert came around, nobody wanted to move. He knew Danielle would. She’d probably go and see Gabrielle and her sister first, and then she’d come and see him. It was the same each year, even when they hadn’t been dating. It was a good system. Alec was happy with it.

He listened silently as the Headmaster made his speech. The same old speech he made every year. He chuckled to himself at Gabrielle’s squeals of delight, and pigged in when the food came. He wanted dessert to hurry up and arrive.

[Gabrielle Amorcya]

Just as Gabrielle started to take her first bite of the delicious dinner sitting before her (and most likely filled with large amounts of fat that would make the average person sick), Michelle shoved a copy of the Daily Prophet onto her lap. “Read the headline on page three and tell me where we were like a week and a half ago.” Gabrielle shot her sister a confused look, changed it to a defiant one, took a large forkful of food and shoved it into her mouth before she finally looked at the headline. He Who Must Not Be Named Searches Egypt. Gabrielle frowned as she read the first few sentences of the article.

He Who Must Not Be Named has been untraceable up until three weeks ago when a Ministry official tracked him to Egypt. “I followed a false lead to Brazil before getting on the right track again”, the official tells us. News reports also state that the Amorcya twins were in Africa at the time of the sighting.

Gabrielle almost choked on her food. She smacked herself on the chest a few times before turning her gaze to her sister. She lowered the newspaper, a frown on her face. “He was that close? she asked. “That close, and we didn’t even realise it? Michelle, we could’ve been KILLED!” Her last statement was probably a bit too loud. The Othello students closest to them all turned their way, shocked looks on their faces. Gabrielle waited until they stopped staring before looking at her sister again. She was shocked. She hadn’t realised Voldemort was so close. He was, of course, way off the track of Oasis Hill, but still. He’d been close to Gabrielle and Michelle!

Gabrielle sighed and put the folded up newspaper between her and her sister. She wondered if her parents had read this article. They hadn’t exactly known about Gabrielle and Michelle’s trip until the girls had already arrived in Africa. A light frown on her face, Gabrielle gazed around the dining hall until her eyes found what she wanted. Danielle Hale. She grinned a large grin, and stood up, waving her hands like a lunatic. “Dan Unda! Hey! Over here!” she shouted. When her best friend was finally looking, she pointed to the empty seat beside her – a seat Gabrielle specially reserved for Danielle every night of the year. “Come see us when dessert is served!” she shouted.

Gabrielle, pleased with herself, sat back down and glanced down the table. Alec Edwards, Danielle’s long-term boyfriend, was shaking his head at her antics. But the grin on his face showed Gabrielle that he was extremely amused.

[Guest]

The wind was slow and salty that mid-day on the docks, and Andrew was none the worse for it. The guls were on high, the water down below, and not a Death-eater in sight... so far. Today was going well, and for all Andrews griping the last few days, was a much happier day than he'd imagined it. All the students buzzing about across the firm planks to get to their separate vessels, carrying Owls, trunks, and all sorts of suitcases, wearing robes and terrible excuses for muggle clothing, all in the end heading to one place. That place was Oasis Hill.

Boarding the ship was easy enough after six years of practice. up the gangplank, take a left, through the door with the horse shoe above it, take an immediate right, up the stairs, watch the loose nail, grab the rail at the top and turn 180 towards the mess hall, don't go in the mess hall, instead turn right and exit just before the door, plug your nose on the way. Anfter taking these short directions one would find themself aboard the ships upper deck, with the sailing breeze in their face, and the lovely deep blue sky giving them a warm hug after the light chill indoors. The look of the ship may at times be lackluster, but to give credit to her, she sails well. Andrew's typewriter had never skipped a beat on any such journey by sea when even in the nicest of muggle cars he had trouble even keeping it put together.

Now at the island port, which was barely visible to those who knew it was there, let alone the outside world, Andrew found himself unable to stand. The knowledge of another year seeping through the cracks of his life was the last thing he wanted. He found himself making promises to himself he knew first hand could not be kept.
*you'll have to get out there and be your own man Andrew, no ifs ands or buts... you've let things get away from you too many times not to let this be the year it happens... if you can't get it right now, merlin help you when your thirty...* These small words were just enough inspiration to lift him from his seat, but how far towards the school would they get him?

Presently passing the marvelous ivory threshold of the marvelous school on the marvelous island, Andrw for the seventh time thougth to himself how wonderful this school would be if it was filled with haughty rich children and not himself.
"What a waste of oxygen this whole place would be" he murmured to himself amongst the disorganized mob slowly making its way to the dining hall. Upon reaching the hall, Andrew asked himself for the ump-teenth time why the school felt he belonged in Aramia House. He was intelligent and sophisticated enough to out do anyone in Othello, and he was certainly mysterious enough to everyone around here, a trait that would more than qualify him for Malvolio, and yet there he was, caught in the middle, at the nice blue table.

There had been a rule in place in the dining hall. Andrew remembered it at the Headmaster was chortling on about the old guard and the new recruits, and laughed a little to himselfbetween two rather large housemates. The rule stated that there was no movement between tables allowed until desert was served, and the idea of Andrew having any reason to move was so funny, even with his powerful self-control, that the little outburst was unnavoidable.

Adjusting his vest to account for any movement upon sitting, Andrew took teh time to scan the crowd. The usual suspects filled the assigned seats to the left in Othello discussing the latest DADA book and the authors terrible demise, the unruly throwing of grapes resumed unhindered at the end of his own Aramia table, and the usual sneering faces and contorted chuckles resounded to his right, none other than Malvolio. It was at this moment that Andrew realised that he didn't really have any place here in the dining hall. He hadn't quite understood it before, but now the clarity of the situation had become more crystal than ever.Andrew had somehow made himself into an outcast, and all he could do was smile. He wasn't like anyone else, and in that respect he raised the flag of victory.

All too suddenly the food appeared, and Andrew had no problem taking generous portions where he could manage inbetween the half giants on either side and their grubby hands. the food here was all too well known for its delicious taste, and Andrew was in definite need of a reminder before he went to sleep that evening. Andrew reminisced of the meals he had eaten here and how obese he would have been was it not for the occasional walk of the grounds for inspiration to keep him somewhat trim. Andrew, in all his thoughtful nature, was now so overcome with the wonderful meal before him that he could only fawn after the good memories of days well spent here, and remember the times that were good and the times that were better. Above all he thought of one thing in particular...

*I'm home...*

[Guest]

Nicky's legs were shaking as she stepped warily onto the docks, wincing at the odd, nauseating feeling in her stomach. Boat travel always made her feel ill, and her chronic case of sea legs helped none. Now that she was back on land she felt no less unstable; in fact she had to wait a second to collect herself before she was ready to keep walking. She knew once she got inside and started to eat, she'd feel better. Six first days at the school had taught her that.

She tottered forward, following the throng, and studiously ignoring the few people who asked if she was okay and why she was so pale, not trusting herself to open her mouth just yet. The magnificent structure that was Oasis Hill Academy protruded proudly out of the ground before her, but she couldn't fully admire its magnificence just now. She just focused on where she was walking as she let the current of the crowd carry her to where she needed to be.

She tucked herself into a chair at the Aramia table, hardly caring who she sat next to -- though she did notice that Andrew Hackett had taken up a spot a few seats away on the opposite side of the table. She tried to smile at him, but it came off as a queasy sort of grimace and she looked down, not wishing to embarrass herself.

Nicky only thanked her lucky stars Chapman's spiel was a little one. But as soon as the welcoming feast appeared in place, lush and delicious-looking, she felt a little put off at the idea of food. However, she sucked it up and forced herself to eat, knowing she'd be worse off if she didn't.

Way to feel great about coming back to school, she thought dully. But never mind, I'll feel fine tomorrow, then the real welcome back can start.

[Michelle Amorcya]

Michelle stuffed food into her mouth as Gabrielle read the paper. She could hardly believe that He had been so close. It made her feel slightly sick to her stomach. Her and her sister were having a good time, and not even worrying about anything other than making sure they didn't eat at every place they passed. They would of been caught off guard, could of been hurt. She widened her eyes as her sister practically shouted. "Shhh!" She gave a slight glare to the other Othello kids, before answering her sister. "At least he's not around the school. That's the important thing. And we know where he is now. So it's a good thing too." As much as she hated seeing the words "He who must not be named is sited again" She knew it was a good thing. As long as he kept slipping up, and letting himself be seen, then he could be caught that much quicker. And the quicker he was caught the easier life around school would be, or so her parents said. She watched her sister fold the newspaper up, and she knew right away that they probably wouldn't say much about it again, if ever. Michelle hated worrying about what was going on. Why couldn't life just be simple? It should of been, she had the money. That helped make things simple right? Right.

Michelle looked over to the Aramia table and spotted Danielle while Gabrielle yelled, like a maniac. When she saw Danielle look up, she waved happily, before glancing up at the Staff table. The Headmaster seemed to think the way Gabrielle was acting was amusing. Good, at least he was in a good mood and wasn't minding the loudness. She looked back at her food, and pushed a couple fork fulls into her mouth. She absolutely loved the Welcome Back Feast. It was always fun, plus it was good to feel like she was back home.

She picked up her goblet of juice and took a sip, before turning to Gabrielle again. "What classes do you think we'll have in the morning? We should be able to continue all the subjects. We got high enough grades on our OWLS." She glanced back up at the Staff table, half expecting the teachers to start handing out their schedules, but she knew that wouldn't happen till they all gathered in the common room later on in the evening.

[Danielle Hale]

Danielle had been sat munching on the salad leaf, and the potato salad, hardly thinking about anything except going over to the Othello table. She couldn't understand why her friends had to all be in Othello, why couldn't she have just been placed in Othello? It would have made things so much easier. Instead, she was sitting at the Aramia table, sitting next to Andrew Hackett, whom she had barely noticed to have been sitting there when, due to the long amount of time spent at the table during the main meal she decided to start talking. "Hi Andrew" Danielle smiled, "How was your holiday?" She asked, conversationally.

She spotted Alec waving at her and gave a small wave in return with a smile, turning her attention back to Andrew. She had missed Alec like mad, last week he had been away and Dani hadn't seen him since she had entered the Dining Hall. "You glad to be back?" Danielle watched him for a second, until she heard someone shouting. “Dan Unda! Hey! Over here!” Taking a slow intake of breath, Dani looked up, of course it would be Gabrielle Amorcya. Rolling her eyes she nodded at her, it was the same every year. Looking around the dining hall, she laughed at Gabby's behaviour "As usual? Right Gabs?!" Danielle shouted over the loud conversations going on around them.

Dani noticed Michelle sitting right next to her sister, telling her to be quiet. Smirking at them both, she stabbed a potato, and waved back at her, mouthing a 'hello!'. Turning her attention back to Andrew, she looked at him carefully. Almost every year she had been here, they always spoke at dinner, never any other time. It was just the way things had been, catching up at dinner and then not greeting each other in the halls. Danielle didn't mind, really he probably understood that she would've preferred being at the other table, no matter how much she enjoyed their conversations. She was sure, he thought the same.

Her eyes flicking up to the table she was thinking of, Danielle caught side of Alec and smiled again. She had hoped to catch him on the boat, or once she had reached the island but she hadn't been so lucky. They would have time to catch up later as always. Only after she had spoken to the twins, Gabrielle would jump her if she went straight to her boyfriend, he would just have to wait. Danielle would stay and eat her pudding with Alec until everyone began leaving, or something like that. "It's your last year at Oasis Hill!" Danielle grinned at Andrew. "What are you going to do once you leave? Have you got any idea yet?"

[Guest]

Melody sauntered into the dining hall, making her way through the throng of students to her spot at the head of the Malvolio table. She nodded to her fellow 7th year prefect as she looked down the long table of fellow Malvolio students. She smiled, she was finally the top girl in Malvolio, right where she had planned to be from her first day here. The only thing that had marred her happiness was that she hadn't been made Head Girl, but then again, she didn't have the most spotless academic record, so she could sort of understand it, but that didn't mean that she had to like it. Well she was the top female prefect in her house, that would have to do. She glanced around the room as the headmaster droned on with his welcoming speach. It was pretty much the same every year, she swore that she could give the speach in her sleep, having heard it every year.

As the food was served, she daintily took what she liked and left the rest. Let the others fight over the crumbs. She washed down the meal with pumpkin juice and looked around the hall looking for people she knew that she could visit when the meal was finished.

[Guest]

Andrew had been very contentedly locked in his own thought process before he was rudely awakened, not by a sudden terrible realization, but by a violent shoving in either direction roused by the two trolls sitting on either side. Apparently a last small portion of chicken had been discovered, and much like a couple of babboons would, the two had begun worming their meaty arms around trying to snatch the meat out from the others hands. All the commotion had awaken him just in time however, for an unexpected first night audience.

Nicola Dawson was now visible, though surely not able to sit nearby, and gave an obviously queasy smile from across the hall. Andrew could sense that it wasn't just the new year gitters rattling through her, but the look on his face to greet such a friendly gesture. He might as well have been made from stone for all of his excitement. Trying hastily to cover up his mistake as a delayed judgement, Andrew angled in a smirk, and threw up a welcoming wave, but alas, his timing was ever so impecably bad, and she began too stare at the table as though it had something better to say. Andrew couldn't blame her, but before he even had a chance to register it all and think something out, he was surprised once more.

Now begining to slop on some of the best gravy one could ask for over his mashed potatoes, he was quaintly chattered up by a seemingly busy Danielle Hale. She began by smiling and saying hello and asking him about anything that happened while he was away, and just as fast she was turned around to one side and waving to someone at another table like it was something she did regularly. Andrew answered as best he could, trying to overcome the idea that she was more than likely not listening at all.
"hey there Danielle" he spoke in an unconfident tone and manner. "my time off was pretty relaxing actually... wrote more of that book i told you i wanted to write..." which was entirely not true. The book he'd been planning to write and the book he was now toddlering around were completely different on the most basic levels, begining with the fact that this book was Fiction instead of the NON-Fiction he'd wanted to create.
"how about you-" he tried to utter, but was then quickly shut down by another question to which he would probably get no response form again. this one asked on the subject of today.
"well, I'm certainly excited to be coming in for my last year, everyone gets reved up about th-" and as if on cue, she spun around hearing something he didn't and began to belt out across the tables at someone else. just as nonchalantly as before, just as annoying.

Now Andrew was all but ready to deal with this, and thusly decided to return to his meal. He thought forgivingly on how many conversations they'd actually had to begin with, and knew he should in the least cut her slack for lack of knowing him all that deeply. Just as he was finishing off a delicious pumpkin juice goblet he was verbally assaulted again, this time only sending his words back at him asthough the previous were never mentioned.
"oh, well, yeah, im really excited for this year actually... how about you?" but by now Andrew should have realized his mistake in asking such questions at all and just sat there waiting for another one from Danielle. Surely enough it came, and in the form of the most interesting subject yet...

"What are you going to do once you leave? Have you got any idea yet?" she spoke smoothly this time, having such leizure from the sudden breaks in the noise of the busy hall. Andrew hadn't thought much on the idea of AFTER Oasis Hil. The idea was one of much reluctance and confusion. He answered as best he could.
"well... uhh... maybe i'll just keep writing? or uhh, well... wel I'm not exactly sure about all that... huh, what do ya know..." and as the words came out, Andrew felt his hand sliding across the skin on his shoulder blade, knowing what lay there, knowing what his future may turn out to be.

Knowing and Dreading can happen at the same time, and this time was one of those for certian...

[Guest]

Columbine had been given a respectable birth on the boat she had chosen. There seemed to be no members of her circle of friends on the vessel, and that was fine with her. As an incoming seventh year, Columbine had quite a few silly rumors flying around about her, but she savored the attention. She was stared at often, both because of her Veela blood and her 'scandalous' behavior, but instead of shying away from the roaming eyes, she basked in them. Let them think what they wanted about her; she knew the truth and the people who mattered to her knew the truth. She could choose to try and stifle the rumors and end up being miserable and wasting all her time chasing second years through the halls, or she could encourage the rumors and laugh behind the backs of the stupid sheep who believed them. Since she'd first become aware of the overactive rumor mill at Oasis, she'd opted for the second plan of action, and it had served her incredibly well so far. Some girls couldn't take the heat of name throwing and smear campaigns, but Columbine wasn't the soft-skinned type. Well, her skin was soft, but in figurative terms it was hard as a rock. That didn't make her a hard person, though. She would happily make conversation with any of the looky-loos on the boat, but as none of them seemed keen on the idea and she found not a single one of them in any way interesting, she had stayed silent for the boat trip, a playful smile curling on her lips.

She had stepped gracefully off the boat, happy with her place in the middle of the jostling crowd. Nobody jostled her, however. She had floated through the crowd while everybody split off to find their tables. She caught sight of a few people of interest finding their seats at the Othello and Aramia tables and she cursed the silly rule of not mingling until after dessert. She was social, she was Veela, she needed to mingle! Especially with her cher petit écrivain. She had not had the pleasure of noticing him until near the end of the previous year and she was itching to learn more about him. From what she had heard he would have fit quite well in her own house. If only he'd been put in Malvolio! In that case she wouldn't have had to wait so long to make her impression on him. A slightly predatory smile surfaced on her face as she slipped into her seat next to the head of the table. She was directly to the right of her roommate, and school prefect, Melody. There were rampant rumors about Columbine's insane jealousy at her friend's appointment as prefect, but in truth Columbine was glad to not have such responsibility. Melody would be able to handle it far more easily than Columbine would have, and Melody was not the kind of girl to abuse her power. So, in fact, Columbine was extremely happy with the choice of prefect. She only wished that Melody had been make Head Girl, heaven knew she deserved it.

Columbine turned her attention to the food and began to pick out spoonfuls of what she liked. She was utterly relived, as always, at the quality of the food at school. She'd heard horror stories of frightening and greasy school food, but Oasis served meals that her mother would be proud of. She took what she wanted but didn't overfill her plate. She hated the feeling of overeating, and she knew just where her limits lay. Columbine got started on her food, taking sips of milk to wash it down, and glanced openly towards her écrivain, taking note of who he was talking with. Hm, Danielle Hale. Very happily taken, thank heaven. Columbine swallowed her food and turned to Melody, setting down her utensils and giving her friend her full attention. "Are you excited Melody? This year we are les reines of the school!" She beamed beautifully at Melody, "Oh, and it was so good to have you visit over break, Maman can't stop talking about her 'chère mélodie'. What did you think of Paris?"

[Guest]

"Columbine!" Her face lit up to see her best friend in the school. "I am so glad to see you." She waved the girl to a spot beside her. "Now I feel complete, to have my best friend beside me." She smiled as they both filled their plates. "It is going to be a great year for us mon ami." She was not very good with french, but she at least tried for her friend. "We will be reines indeed."


"I loved my visit to Paris, we had such a good time shopping, did we not? And that boy we met, Pierre was it? He was so entranced with me, I thought he was going to follow me back home. I was glad he didn't, it would have been awkward to explain to my mother, no?" Her mother would have had no sense of humor if she had shown up at home with a french boy following her. Her father would have been livid, but she could have talked to her father.

"So, how about you, how was the rest of your summer? Did you do anything interesting after I went home? Or were you totally bored without me?" she smiled as she said it.

[Guest]

Columbine grinned encouragingly at Melody, pleased as always with her friend's attempts at French. Columbine wasn't the stereotypical French snob who would scoff at anybody even a smidge off in their pronunciation. Actually, she took it as a great compliment when people attempted to speak her language, even if they ended up sounding infantile. And to tell the truth, Melody's French wasn't even half bad. Her time in Paris over the summer had apparently helped shape her accent. Columbine was pleasantly impressed. As Melody spoke, Columbine reminisced over their time spent in Paris. It certainly had been wonderful. Melody had such an interesting eye for clothing, trying on crazy prints and colors that Columbine would have just passed by. Shopping with Melody always ended up with Columbine opening her eyes to new style. It was unarguably true that the two girls had gone far to expand each others wardrobes.

Laughter twinkled in Columbine's eyes as she recalled the over-eager Pierre. He had been absolutely adorable and had been completely taken with Melody. That was probably one of the largest reason Columbine was such complete friends with Melody, the fact that Melody could attract boys with Columbine in the room. Most girls would find it impossible, but Melody's crazy, fun, and caring personality made it so Columbine and Melody were about 50-50 in boy attraction. What Columbine found most intriguing about this was the fact that Melody could do it so easily, without having to really try even. It was a wonderful breath of fresh air to have a best friend that boys would stare at instead of her. "Oh, he was quite the charmer, yes?" Columbine nudged her friend's side playfully, "He surely followed us to my house, though. He was there a week after you left, asking for your post number. I didn't give it to him, of course, but I did get his numbers, if you want them." Columbine grinned and winked at Melody, knowing that her friend would probably have enough boys around the school to worry about without adding a semi-stalker to her mailing list. He was cute, though.

"Oh, it was complete boredom once you left!" Columbine sighed heavily. This was actually mostly true. "Of course I had mes petites soeurs to keep me company, but they are still a bit too young to do les achats, em, the shopping with me. And they have not quite developed such a sophisticated taste in boys as we have." Columbine laughed softly, knowing that her own taste in boys sometimes wavered into strange. "Speaking of les hommes do you have eyes for any of our Oasis brethren this year?" She steepled her fingers beneath her chin, immersed completely in the conversation.

[Guest]

She looked horrified when Columbine mentioned Pierre wanting to contact her. She had only wanted someone male to spend some fun times with in Paris, no long term relationship. He had already been relegated to a fun memory of her summer. She wouldn't even think of him again. As for this year....

"I don't have my eye on anyone in particular this year, yet. No one has caught my eye. Maybe we ought to plan a small welcome back party and invite a few select prospects to try things out. A small intimate party perhaps?" She loved throwing parties and finding just the right guest list. A mix of fun people and interesting situations always made for a memorable party. But who to invite? Cara of course, but who else? They would have to decide who else was deserving of an invite to one of her parties, and then there were the boys, which of the males of the school were worthy enough to attend. Then there were the little details like where to throw it, and when, the rest of the details would be planned later. "I think a welcome back party would be a good thing, we just have to figure out the details, like where, when and of course the most important, who to invite." She got the most evil smile on her face, "And of course more importantly, who not to invite."

[Guest]

Cara had never smiled so much in her life. Well, that she could remember. If this was the start of her Sixth year, she was going to be fine! She had been a bit worried as she stood in the dock to get a ride over to the school but luckily she had met a few of the people in 'her circle' of friends and they made sure they got a boat together to the island. People stared, but didn't they always? Cara just laughed it off. She was back to her normal life and what she liked to call sanity. Summer was nice, but she could only handle so much of her parents and the news that had been going around about Lord Voldemort. Cara understood it, which is what really worried her. She wanted to be back to a place where she knew no one would know, or really care, just to be able to breathe.

Everyone commented on Cara's tan, her new hairstyle, her make-up and her clothes after relaying all the information what felt about 50 times over she commented on individual things that were different about the people around her and listened to the stories, feigning interest as she did so. Laughing, gasping and sighing in all the correct places. Cara was good at that. She had been told it was something to do with charisma, but she wasn't sure.

The boat ride to the school never seemed to take long, even though they were travelling to an island. Looking up at the outside of the school, Cara smiled. They were back for a year, a year of magic and mayhem. Well, for Cara anyway. Laughing to herself she followed the crowd as they walked into the Dining hall of Oasis Hill Academy which had been overly dectorated for the welcome back fest, as normal. She had seen the hall for five years and it still shocked her when she came back. However, she didn't have alot of time to look around and see what was going on before she was yanked by the arm towards the Malvolio table.

They must have been one of the very last boat because many were already sitting down and gossiping about their summer. Because of this Cara was glad she wasn't on her own, she didn't feel so embarrassed. As she got up to the sixth year part of the table she was waved across to an empty seat by one of the girls that had been one of her closest friends. Looking up towards the prefect and the 7th year segment of the table. She caught Melody's eye smiled and waved before turning back towards the coversations of summer. The parties that went wrong, the romances, the heart-aches, the holidays. As she listened Cara relaxed, she was back.

[Guest]

Columbine gave an apologetic grin at the look of horror on Melody's face. It was a very good thing she hadn't given the boy Melody's information, then. She would have hated to be forced to explain to her friend why she had given out her address willy-nilly. She cocked her head and wrinkled her brow slightly. "Nobody? That is a pity." Her concern was replaced by unadulterated excitement as soon as a party was mentioned. "Une idée parfaite! Really, it is perfect! After all of the bustle of the summer holidays, it will be nice to have a little...intimacy." She winked pointedly and that predatory edge resurfaced in her smile. She should have known Melody would be the one to think of something so wonderfully perfect with which to start the year. With their heads put together they would be sure to come up with the perfect guest list. A guest list that would be sure to include a certain Andrew Hackett. Columbine's heart was racing a little bit thinking about it.

"I think that is a wonderful idea, Melody. A wonderful way to start the year, get the mood going so to speak." Columbine was becoming quite giddy at the idea, shuffling names through her head and trying to figure out where they should hold it. "Perhaps a garden party? The weather is still so very nice, and with a few candles or lanterns it would be a spectacle." Food was completely forgotten now, all that was left was the speeding clockwork of party planning. Her grin was in full bloom now, glowing with her excitement. "What do you think, Melody? A garden party on a Friday evening, a soothing house-elf orchestra, and the crème of the crop of Oasis Hill. I can see it now."

[Guest]

"That would be perfect! That is a wonderful idea, Columbine, it will be wonderful to have a candlelight soiree, with an intimate dinner and music and dancing. We just need to let the house elves know what will be required, and then we need to plan the guest list. We will have to invite Cara, of course and some boys, but I want to keep it small, at least this first one of the year.

"So who should make the list? We will need to be picky, perhaps a dozen or so people, that way we can all have a nice time without having to worry about crowds. A nice intimate dinner party under the stars. It should be fun. You make up a list and I'll make up a list and we'll compare lists and decide who should be invited." She glared at the other prefect who was smiling with the idea that he would be invited. Like that was going to happen. He was so annoying.

[Guest]

Stephen was more tired than he could possibly imagine. It had been the longest journey going from London travelling halfway across the world to school. Even with all the planning, shortcuts, and quick moving activities to get him as close to Amorcya Island as the boat would pick him up, it had been at least half a day of travel. No matter how fit he was, how much sleep he got the night before, or how much sugar and caffeine he consumed, he was always dead tired at the arrival on the island. His first year he had even fallen asleep and had only seconds to step off the boat before it took off from the dock again. But this time, as the plank traversing the gape between dock and boat was laid down, he was the first on off.

Looking around the dock, Stephen began to ignore his total lack of energy. This was where he was meant to be, where his friends were, where he would make new friends, and where all the girls were. Unfortunately one of those girls included his ex-girlfriend. Not that he really had any issues with her, their break-up at the end of last year had been mutual and uneventful. Drifting apart, they had agreed to end it together. But it might be a little awkward, seeing her, knowing she wasn't his anymore. If he found someone new, how would she react?

'Ah well,' Stephen thought to himself, 'too much fun to be had right here and now.' It really wasn't worth worrying about. And before he knew it, he was back in the old Dining Hall, back to three squares a day, healthy food, and amazing service. Sighting the Aramia table, he began to seek out his close friends.

[Guest]

Columbine nodded as Melody went over some of the fine points of their newly materializing party. It would certainly be a magical way to start the year. At the very least it would mean an excuse to go along with Melody and Cara into Woodberg county to go shopping. "Small is a wonderful idea, it will keep it intimate, as you said. I think we should put our heads together, perhaps tonight, and iron out the details." Columbine glanced down the table to the Spanish beauty who was sitting amongst the sixth years, "Cara is a definite invite, should we perhaps ask her to aid in the planning?" It was always good to keep the planning group small, but Cara tended to have some of the most brilliant party ideas. Columbine didn't wait for an answer before leaning forward over the table to stare down towards the sixth year section of the table. He motioned Cara over to join them. She wouldn't mind having to relocate, especially up to the head of the table.

Columbine turned a disdainful eye to the girl on the other side of her from Melody and shooed her away. The girl gave a startled look, then obeyed, freeing up a seat for Cara.

[Guest]

"Of course we should involve Cara in the planning, she is so good at it, she always has such wonderful ideas." she spoke softly to Columbine. She watched in amusement as Columbine made a place next to her for Cara. The three of them were so alike in some ways and so different in others, they were a true little United Nations, Columbine being French and Cara being Spanish. It was refreshing to be with the two of them after all the small minded girls back home. She really had enjoyed being in France over the summer, maybe next summer she could go spend some time in Spain with Cara.

"Cara," she raised her voice and called to the younger girl. "Please say goodbye to your friends and sit next to Columbine." She made it sound like a punishment, but Cara would know the difference. She loved being a Prefect and the power it held. She gave a command, and it was obeyed, no questions or she had the power to report the offending student to a teacher for a detention. That was real power in a school like this.

[Danielle Hale]

Danielle nodded, although she couldn't remember hearing about Andrews book before, he must've mentioned it to her in passing. She felt a little bad for cutting him off, she couldn't exactly ignore her friends could she?! Danielle gave an apologetic smile, her mind was obviously not on the conversation currently going on between them. It was the first dinner back and everyone was bustling about like mad muggles, it was hectic and they were only two students amongst hundreds doing the same. As soon as the room quietened down, Danielle was able to slow down the conversation, catching up with what he was saying.

"Writing still? That's pretty cool, you're really good at it" Dani remembered seeing something he'd written, somewhere, she had no idea what it was in, but it looked good. Not exactly something she would write, but, good nonetheless. "Not got long!" She sang, grinning. Dani wished she was leaving at the same time, instead of waiting around until she graduated. The crowd of students grew louder, the volume unbearable, Danielle caught the ends of a conversation across from Aramia, to Malvolio.

"compare lists and decide who should be invited."

Danielle raised an eyebrow, tilting her head as they continued. Interesting, already a party was going to take place that quick into the year. She turned her head behind her, of course, it would have to be Melody Ackerman. Rolling her eyes, Danielle tried to drown them out, she really didn't want to her about their pathetic tea parties. "Are you glad you're leaving?" Dani asked curiously, some of the students wanted to stay, they didn't want to leave the comfort of Oasis Hill. Danielle wasn't sure whether that was a good thing or bad, would she be prepared to leave?

[Guest]

Cara laughed as she heard Melody's voice.
"Sorry Guys. See you in the Common Room balie?" she said as she heasitantly picked herself up from her seat. She wanted to catch as much of the holiday gossip as she could because, unless it was amazingly good, it would not be relayed to her again.

Giggling at the comments made as she left Cara walked gracefully up to the seat made free by Columbine. Did she feel important sitting up with the 7th years and prefects? Yes, yes she did. Who wouldn't. It wasn't as though it wasn't heard of. Students did it all the time, in other houses, but Malvolio, fro Cara's experince anyway, was often segregated into years. Why? She didn't know, just the way it worked she supposed.

"Hola mis amigas! Cara said, "Que tal? And how were your summers?" how tired Cara was of repeating that over and over again. She just wanted to get her first week over now. That way she wouldn't have to say those /words/ ever again, well, until next year.

[Guest]

"My summer was fantastic as usual, and I hope yours was the same, but we called you up here to let you know that we are going to be throwing a party and thought you might want to be in on the planning." She smiled at the younger girl. She was a good protege, she was learning to be a queen of Malvolio. This year was her final lessons before she took over their positions next year. She liked the girl, seeing a lot of her own qualities in the girl. Her reliance on gossip was a bit worrisome, but she would learn to hear it, but not always believe every thing she heard. Better to be the one making up the gossip than to be on the receiving end.

"We will go up to our dorm and plan later, but if you have any preliminary ideas, we'd love to hear them, wouldn't we Columbine?"

[Guest]

"Summer was summer. Simplement." Columbine replied to the younger Spanish girl. Cara seemed to have grown over the summer, though, and it no longer seemed fair to Columbine to think of her as just a girl. "There was sun and too many boys and too few Malvolios to share my time with." Columbine's drooped eyelids made her look bored, but she was really quite excited. This was just the beginning of the beginning of her and Melody's final year at Oasis Hill and there was already a splendid party in the making. They were off to a spectacular start, and it wouldn't be long until Columbine had a chance to shine as the social queen of Oasis. Between parties with Melody and Cara and Columbine's own personal conquests around the school, there was much fun to be had in her seventh year. Much fun, indeed.

She let Melody carry on the conversation, tapping her foot lightly with impatience as she waited for the desserts to be served so she could expand her reach of the student population. "Oh yes, we would. Though I would like to know how your summer went, as well. You need not answer if you so wish, I am sure you are tired of the question by now, but I would so like to know about the goings-on in Spain."

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