Temporary Home (Alyra)

[Deleted]

December 29, 2024

The past twenty-four hours had been nothing short of overwhelming. While Chrissy had gotten used to packing up what little she owned at a moment's notice to switch foster homes, she had never done so to fly halfway around the world on an airplane for the first time, destined for a country she had never visited. Even if she was stressed, she was grateful for Alyra Pond, one of the few adults in her life who had stuck by her and not treated her like anything but a person. Without her, frankly, she might have been dead, at worst. At best, she would have been twiddling her thumbs through the new year and however long it took for Ilvermorny to get back up and running.

Chrissy had never been on an airplane before; she had never had reason to, when the most that she had ever traveled was between California and Massachusetts for school. Sitting on one and knowing that she was somewhere in the sky above the ocean was unsettling, and she had paid close attention to the safety demonstration that the people working on the plane gave before they took off. She familiarized herself with the map of the aircraft and its emergency exits, including what to do in the event of a fire or water landing. Even if it was an "unlikely event", Chrissy had already had the odds stacked against her a few times.

Once the plane was in the air and she had managed to relax, Chrissy slept for most of the flight. They were served food on the plane, although it didn't look very edible, and she had picked at some sort of vegetable blend and mystery meat with her plastic fork until she gave up on it and settled for the little cup of orange juice with ice in it that she had requested to drink.

Even with some sleep, Chrissy still felt exhausted by the time that the plane had landed. Her entire body felt stiff and as though the air had dried out her skin a little too much. Still, she, Alyra, and Alyra's sister, Mazie, cleared their way through immigration with their luggage and managed to get to where they were staying.

Chrissy, who was immensely relieved that all of this had happened without incident, would have been ready to go straight back to sleep if it weren't daylight in London with the change in time zone. She was glad that she had thought to carry her coat—a few seasons too old but still wearable—with her to wear in the winter weather that they certainly hadn't had back in Southern California, but it was getting a little bit uncomfortable now that they were checked in.

Mazie, who Chrissy only really knew from school, had gone off somewhere—to the bathroom or something, probably—and left her and Alyra alone for the moment.

"…Lee?" Chrissy asked, glad for a moment to breathe in spite of how high her anxiety levels had been running the whole journey over. "I haven't really had a chance to say it yet, but thanks." As scared as she was of what was ahead of her, she knew that she wouldn't have had this opportunity if Alyra hadn't stepped in and thought of her.

@alyra

[Deleted]

Lee would likely have taken other means of transportation to London if she didn’t have two teenage girls in tow. However, with the amount of stuff that they all had to bring them with across the atlantic ocean, flying was easier more reliable for the underage witches. Plus, it was the safest bet. No one would really target any muggle transportation like an airplane. So they boarded and after an 11 hour flight, they landed in London around mid morning. After they got through customs (quite speedily thanks to some sneaky magic on Lees part), they got on a cab and made their way to Diagon Alley. The ministry had set Lee up in a two bedroom apartment just off of the alley with quick access to the wizarding hub.

The girls made it to their apartment and started to settle in, but it became clear pretty quickly to Lee that they weren’t in Southern California anymore. There was only so far her collection of cropped sweaters would go to actually keep her warm in the snow. A trip to the alley would be necessary. Probably today, if she could manage the energy. She knew she had a co-worker who would show her all the spots in London tomorrow that she’d need to know. And she still needed to take the girls to get their school things. She could hardly believe it was just yesterday that she was told she was coming here, and now here she was. The MACUSA didn’t play around when it came to getting the job done. However, she had hardly slept in that time.

Mazie excused herself to go take a shower or something and Lee was half heartedly taking stock of what was already supplied in their little apartment while also trying to fight the urge to go crawl into her bed and sleep until she had to get up for work in the morning. When Chrissy spoke her name, Lee turned her attention to her and bit back a yawn. She thanked her and Lee let her head drift to the side a bit as a smile spread across her lips, “Of course.” Lee responded, “If the two of your couldn’t come just because you needed someone else to be here, and then I’m going to be sent here anyway, might as well help you get your education.” she explained. But then she smirked. “Plus, if I have to be miserable in the snow, I’m not going to be miserable alone.” she winked. Lee was a kidder. She was fun and liked to be funny. At least, when she wasn’t working.

@chrissy

[Deleted]

December 29, 2024

Happy to see that she wasn't the only one who was tired from the flight from Los Angeles to London, Chrissy perked up at Alyra's explanation. She had to be there for work anyway, she reminded her, so she might as well have done what she had to get her and Mazie back in school. Chrissy honestly wasn't sure what she would have done if she had been stuck trying to rely on some tutor who didn't seem to care enough about her to show up. She wasn't dumb, but there was only so much that she could grasp from reading about it in a textbook. She hadn't had a wand since the summer, after all, and it was one of the things that she was looking forward to about Hogwarts. Supposedly, their students didn't have to worry about permits and leaving their wands at school, even if they weren't legally allowed to be using magic while underage.

"Plus, if I have to be miserable in the snow, I’m not going to be miserable alone," she joked. That was true. The Los Angeles area, at least, didn't really see snow, and even the rain was pretty crummy. Ilvermorny had had snow, being in Massachusetts, but it had been close to a year since Chrissy had had to deal with it. She preferred the warmth and sunshine of California to snow. It was pretty to look at, she felt, but slipping on ice certainly was not fun.

She smiled as Alyra winked at her, shaking her head. "At least I actually have a coat," she replied, which was mostly humorous because of the fact that there wasn't much that Chrissy did have. She didn't have a permanent house of her own or a family, and she had been out of a proper education for half a year, but at least she was more prepared for winter than a MACUSA investigator. "And I can actually put my arms down," she noted seriously, unzipping the coat and tugging it off to keep from overheating in the additional layer.

It shouldn't have come as much of a surprise that the coat still fit her without any enchantments. Being rather bony, Chrissy hadn't changed much over the years except in height, and the few "new" clothes she got were only ever new to her.

"I guess we'll have to get new school robes," Chrissy considered. She had her Ilvermorny robes with her, actually, though she had a feeling that they wouldn't be considered a part of the Hogwarts uniform. "And books… and supplies…" She sighed a little with that realization. Textbooks alone were more expensive than she could really afford; she'd been advised to save what inheritance she had, not that she could really access it.

"They'll have used books there that I can use, right?" There had to have been other students over the years who were in similar positions to her own, or at least ones who couldn't afford everything that they needed for school.

@alyra

[Deleted]

Lee didn’t even try to fight the urge to stick out her tongue at the younger girl when she teased back, saying at least she had a jacket. Lee didn’t leave the sun if she could get away with it. She traveled to New York a few times a month for work, but she was able to just apparate there and back and never have to step foot into the cold weather if she didn’t want to, which she never wanted to. Chrissy brought up needing to get robes and books and Lee nodded. She also hated the way that Chrissy asked about the used books. She hated that this child had to go through life the way that she had been. But Lee was her guardian now, and she wasn’t going to take on the legal responsibilities of the child without any of the other parental responsibility. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you everything you need.” Lee said, almost trying to dismiss the issue, she didn’t want Chrissy to have to worry about that, at least not while she was with Lee. “For both of you.” Lee added as she watched the bathroom door open again.

@mazie @chrissy

[Deleted]

Mazie couldn't be more excited by the turn of events. Only a few days ago, she thought she'd be spending yet another semester at home with her parents, enduring homeschool once more. It wasn't that she didn't love her parents, or that they weren't good to her, but the environment at home wasn't quite what Mazie needed. She was energetic and people-oriented and did not thrive on schoolwork alone. 

The last thing she expected was for Lee to come home, tell their parents that she was going to the UK and convince them to let Mazie come too. She loved her sister for it though. Loved that her sister thought of her and decided to use her new situation to make Mazie's better. Lee knew she missed her friends, and the chance to get out and explore and get into trouble. There was only so much trouble one could get into at home, and Mazie did it all in the first week. Things got harder from there. 

However, it would all be better now! Now that Lee was bringing her along. After her parents making the decision, Mazie had her things packed in an hour. Sure, that meant she had to wait the rest of the day before leaving, but she didn't care. She was too excited!

Her mood dropped significantly, however, when Lee came and picked her up that night. There was another girl with her, one that Mazie didn't know or even recognize. Who was it? Why was she coming with them? And why didn't Lee tell her that they were bringing someone else along? She tried to find a moment alone where she could talk to her sister, but the night was a whirlwind of going to the airport, getting on the plane and all the things that accompanied that. The entire time, this stranger was with them. There was no chance to talk, though Mazie did try to smile at the girl whenever their eyes met. 

The eleven hour flight was torture. While Mazie was fine with the food and drinks and the in-flight entertainment (thank you provided videos), holding still for that much time was very hard for her. She was used to being up and about. Sure, she could go use the restroom when needed, but walking there from her seat and back was hardly energy-expelling. By the time they landed, she was wired. She tapped her feet and played with her fingers impatiently, even once they were off the flight and going through customs. 

The weather in England was cold, as expected. Mazie brought all her winter clothes from Ilvermorny with her, had even worn a warm jacket on the plane. She was still looking for a chance to talk to Lee, but not it seemed like her older sister was avoiding her. Mazie shuffled along behind her, getting more frustrated by the minute, though she tried to hide it. She put a bounce in her step and smiled and nodded to all the people they passed on their way, as well as to the girl with them.

By the time they reached Lee's apartment, Mazie was done. She dumped her bags right inside the door to the place, trying to make sure they were out of the way, and then announced she was going to shower. She didn't want to see her sister. She didn't want to see this other girl. All the wanted was to go to school and see her friends. 

The hot water of the shower helped to calm her down, though it didn't do the job entirely. Mazie was still quite annoyed, but she thought maybe she'd be able to hide it better now. She walked out of the bathroom to hear her sister say something about "both of you". Huh. Apparently Lee didn't mind talking to the other girl. Mazie lifted an eyebrow, forcing a smile onto her face. "What are you saying about both of us?" she asked in a light tone, nodding to the other girl pleasantly.

@chrissy, @alyra

[Deleted]

December 29, 2024

Fortunately, Alyra told her not to worry about the supplies; she would ensure that they were taken care of. It left Chrissy with a pang of guilt for feeling like a charity case; she couldn't just pay her way through things or rely on her parents to handle things for her, the way most kids her age could. Usually, she had to remind people not to forget about her, when she could muster up the courage to speak out. People took things like parents for granted, and Chrissy wished that they didn't.

The bathroom door opened back up then, and Lee added that it would be for the both of them—her and Mazie, in other words—as the older girl came back into the room.

Chrissy didn't really know Mazie, other than that she was obviously Lee's younger sister. They hadn't been in the same House at Ilvermorny, and Mazie was apparently two years ahead of her in school. It made things a little bit awkward, even if they were in similar positions in terms of their both going to Hogwarts in the middle of the year.

"What are you saying about both of us?" Mazie questioned with a smile that Chrissy couldn't quite place.

"Just that we're gonna get our school stuff," Chrissy answered her, looking back to Lee as she finished her comment.

@alyra
@mazie

[Deleted]

“Just that we’ll have to go out and get all your school stuff.” Lee said in response to her little sister, who was just catching the last sentence of their conversation. She hadn’t missed much. “And we’ll probably have to do that today…” Lee added, as much as she hated the idea of needing to go out again while she was already sure she would fall asleep at any moment. She worked all day tomorrow and almost a full day on New Years Eve too. She supposed school shopping could wait until after the new year, but she didn’t want to cut it that close. Lee had been awake longer than this before, 24 hours was nothing, and at least she had managed a little sleep on the flight since it was a red-eye. The chill of London would keep her alert. “And get groceries and… everything too.” the Ministry provided apartment was stocked with the basics, dull furniture, a few plates, bowls and cups. A spatula in a drawer. Lee wasn’t sure how much she’d cook, but there needed to be food in the house at least. She also wanted to make sure the girls were comfortable. They were nothing more than strangers, though they both meant a great deal to her. And now they were here together, sharing a room until they went off to Hogwarts. She wasn’t sure they’d interact much then, but she had her hopes.

@mazie @chrissy

[Deleted]

Mazie nodded when both her sister and the other girl- whose name she still didn't know, was Lee ever going to introduce them?!- answered her question. Well, getting school supplies was a good thing. In the very least it meant that they would be able to get out of the apartment for a little bit, expel some energy, which would definitely be a good thing for Mazie. She had too much pent up energy, without adding all of her annoyance at her sister on top of it. 

She looked over at her sister and quirked an eyebrow. "Okay ... so if we've got to do it today, you wanna do it now and get it over with or stay here for a bit and rest first?" She could tell that the other two were tired ... at least that's what Mazie assumed they were feeling. Her sister looked about like she was going to fall asleep right where she stood, well more like sat. She was trying to give off a cheerful vibe, not wanting the new girl to sense her inner frustration. Part of Mazie wondered if her sister even noticed. If she had, she gave no indication of it. Fine. That was just fine by Mazie. No one had to know how angry she was. She'd find some way to let it out soon enough. Once they got to school she'd be able to find some privacy.

@chrissy
@alyra

[Deleted]

December 29, 2024

Alyra expressed what she had told Mazie, that they had only been talking about their need for school supplies. And that they would probably have to do it that day. That part was something that Chrissy wasn't thrilled about, mostly because she didn't think that she had the energy to run around a new country to which she had only just arrived, mind and body stuck on its being hours earlier back in California.

Also brought up were their need for groceries. Groceries—or even just pizza—would have been nice. Virtually anything would have been better than the “meal” that they had been served in-flight, Chrissy thought. Maybe some food would help her to feel less lethargic than she did.

"Okay…" Mazie chimed in, "so if we've got to do it today, you wanna do it now and get it over with or stay here for a bit and rest first?"

As much as Chrissy wanted to stay in the apartment and rest first, she wasn't sure if she would be able to wake up again and get ready to go back out if she fell asleep. She also didn't want to be the only one who wanted to stay there and rest, since she really didn't want to be left alone in a country where she would have been helpless if she were to run into any trouble. Besides however many of her classmates were now at Hogwarts, she only knew two people in Britain, and they were in the room with her.

"I guess we should probably go out first," she nodded. Lee was probably going to be busy with work over the next few days, too, and it was better if they could at least get some essentials in before that happened. Then, once that was taken care of, they could come back and sleep.

@alyra
@mazie

[Deleted]

Lee sighed. As much as she wanted to sleep, it was barely mid afternoon now and she really should do her best to avoid jet lag. So she nodded, “Yeah I guess we should go now.” But then she had a thought, but she wasn’t sure how good of an idea it would be. “I mean unless you two just want to go tomorrow while I’m at work and get it all on your own?” She offered. Mazie was old enough to make sure they got everything on their lists. But Lee kind of wanted to go with them actually. She was pretty sure neither girl would particularly want to go on their own.

@mazie @chrissy

[Deleted]

Mazie nodded when the other girl spake up, saying that she thought they should go out first. Good. Mazie didn't want to be stuck in this apartment yet. Sure, she knew it was going to happen sooner or later, whenever her sister had to go to work before school started, but maybe getting out and about for a bit would help get her energy out.

Lee seemed to agree, until she mentioned that maybe Mazie and the other girl could go out tomorrow while she was at work. Mazie lifted an eyebrow and smirked at her sister, her anger coming out in silent sarcasm now. Really, she was going to suggest that? After all the promises to Mom and Dad about keeping Maze safe and not letting her out of her sight. Man, Lee must be tired. She shrugged, "I mean, we could, but I am going to point out that neither of us have been here before and we don't have wands, nor are we allowed to do magic outside of school ..." she trailed off suggestively. Sure, Mazie wouldn't mind heading up something like this. She could get equipment for school easy, she was sure, but she was also annoyed that Lee wanted to make her the responsible one. It somehow felt like Lee was just trying to get away from her and this other girl. Whatever. Mazie didn't care. 

@chrissy
@alyra

[Deleted]

December 29, 2024

Lee agreed that they should just go ahead and go run their errands, although she offered to let the two of them go out on their own. While Chrissy appreciated the offer, she wasn't too thrilled over it in actuality. She didn't want to get lost somewhere, and she didn't quite know if she could trust Mazie not to go off without her.

Mazie, to Chrissy's surprise, wasn't keen on the idea, either, and told her sister as much. "I mean, we could," she agreed, "but I am going to point out that neither of us have been here before and we don't have wands, nor are we allowed to do magic outside of school."

That she had said those things rather than leaving her to point them out to Lee made Chrissy feel slightly better about the situation. She didn't want to be a drag about it, but she knew Mazie was right: They didn't know their way around at all and didn't even have wands, not that they were allowed to use them even if they did have them. Mazie was, luckily, just as reliant upon Alyra as she was.

"Mazie's right. We should probably go with you," Chrissy agreed. "At least until we know where we're going… and how to get back here." Apparition was also not an option for them without Lee, after all.

@alyra
@mazie

[Deleted]

Both of them decided they wanted to do it today and Lee nodded. But she felt the desire to remind them, ”I’ve never been there either.” But then she closed the cabinet and walked out from behind the kitchen counter. “But we can all go today. Whenever you’re ready then.” She decided. It was probably for the best. Even though the alley was supposed to be a safe place. Hogsmeade was supposed to be one too, but that was the whole reason she was here now. And no matter how tired she was, she cared too much about these girls to let anything happen to them. She wasn’t going to let her exhaustion throw her off her witts.

@mazie @chrissy

[Deleted]

The other girl agreed with Mazie, who smiled and nodded. At least she wasn't alone in thinking that Lee should be with them. It seemed like the logical thing to Mazie. If anything did go wrong, they needed someone who could defend them. Not that Mazie expected something to go wrong ... but it was definitely better to be safer than sorry. She smirked, lifting an eyebrow at her older sister when she said she'd never been there before either. "No offense Lee ... but I wasn't saying I needed you as a guide. I was thinking more of a protection kind of thing ..." That shouldn't be offensive, but Mazie didn't really care if it annoyed Lee. She was still more than annoyed with her older sister. 

"I'm ready," Mazie said instantly. She'd already gone to the bathroom, and she basically just wanted to get this over with. No use standing around forever. "whenever you two are," she added, jumping over the back of a couch and landing on the cushions. Might as well get some more of that energy out. She didn't know if the other two were ready yet or not.

@chrissy
@alyra

[Deleted]

December 29, 2024

Mazie interjected that she meant Lee no offense but that she was thinking of having her there as protection, rather than as their guide. Chrissy wasn’t so confident as to mention that herself, but she gave a small not in agreement with the blonde’s statement there. She didn’t have to be so awkward about being some sort of “scaredy-cat”—not when this was a situation where it would have been rational for most people to be afraid, people who didn’t think twice, who weren’t hyperaware the way she felt that Chrissy always had to be for her own safety.

“I’m ready whenever you two are,” Mazie continued, a statement at which Chrissy would have been fine if not for the action that had followed it. Not having expected the sudden movement and thud that the older girl made as she hopped over the back of the couch, she jumped and felt her body tense up. Please, she thought, if Mazie could just not do that…

“I’ll just… go to the bathroom real quick—” she sputtered out, immediately moving towards the bathroom door, stepping in, and fumbling with the lock until she was sure that it had caught. She needed to excuse herself, at least for the moment, and it wasn’t like she was lying to cover up her anxiety over something that shouldn’t have even bothered her.

@alyra
@mazie