A collection of passages has been submitted for personal reading from Shandy Natasha Wease. The selective title of her passages are purely based on her own thoughts, and the name comes from one of the cirriculum books.

Each documented page is neatly scrawled upon, a black ink used, and is all in cursive writing. Detailed pictures, and the sorts have been drawn, or pasted into her work to add some idea of setting.

The Day of a New Beginning

The day began like all others, waking up in my average sized room to an annoying alarm, my parents calling me to get dressed, and my sisters tossing me some food on the way out. My family consisted of my father Nick, a salesperson for a multi-billion dollar company, my mother Sherry, a local realestate agent. Then you have my sisters, our family dominated by females: Tawny, the oldest of us, and then you have my younger sister Chelsea, just one year difference between us.

I was just about turning Eleven, two weeks from then I would face my birthday, and feel older as my grandmother would say. Never did I feel older, as everyone else aged day by day; I felt the same. Days passed nearing to the day, and my parents planned to take me to the movies in celebration. But, plans changed quite quickly, the day just before my birthday a letter arrived in the mail, addressed to me.



Opening and reading it, reading it and reading it. My jaw dropped, my brow arched, and I burst into laughter. Glaring over to my family, I questioned who had possibly given me this false letter, and that the joke was too well planned. No one fessed up, and I tossed it to my parents to read; as expected they laughed. They tossed it aside, but in the afternoon, another letter arrived, and things changed. It read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Ms. Wease,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

I realized it had to be true, that I was different, and that I possessed a certain quality different to my family. I was a Witch, and now I've been accepted to a school to learn it. Thus, my life changed with a simple letter.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

Shopping in Diagon

My life changed with that letter, but the new one had only just begun. I had nothing on the list provided, and needed them greatly. After returning an owl to Professor McGonagall, which requested directions to Diagon Alley where I was told that I could aquire such items. Travel was easy to the Leaky Cauldron, my parents driving me there, and accompanied me inside. The barkeep offered a polite nod, and escorted us to the back of the building, into a small courtyard. Tapping the brick, Diagon Alley emerged before me, my eyes adjusting the bright, and busy street before me.


Never before have I seen so many things at once that was out of the ordinary; Witches and Wizards busily walking down the street, carrying large objects which I was unaware of. These people were all dressed differently by colour, but similar in style; cloaks, pointed hats, and long, flowing robes. I tried my best when navigating through the busy streets to look into all the stores as I passed, trying to get a picture of where I would have to find some of my required equipment for my first year.

I remember appearing infront of Gringotts, the largest building present in Diagon Alley. Not much could be said, then "wow", and more could be said when I saw my first Goblin. Nervous as hell, I had to do something, and dragged my jaw-dropped parents inside the building. Unfortunately, the Goblin in charge of permitting us access to the Vaults and supply of money that awaited me, or so I thought, refused to allow me in. Apparently, I needed a key, which I didn't have as no one else in my family was a Wizard or Witch, to my knowledge.

But, my luck turned around when I submitted my name. There was a vault, one dedicated specifically to me; it was established by Charles Wease, my great-grandfather. Annually funds were transfered into the vault, and had accumulated since my birth. Now, my mind was racked with questions: There are others like me in my family? Why was I never told? How did he keep it from us all this time? But, they can't be answered, he's dead now...

I was shocked to see such a large sum of money left for me, the pile rose, and rose. Apparently funds were still being transfered as he qued it up for my next seven years, making sure I had ample funds to survive Hogwarts and afterwards. Taking it, I felt wrong as it was a memory to me of my great-grandfather. But, I needed it.

Aquirring all necessary equipment, books, robes and my wand was the easy part. We quickly mingled with a couple of groups of people, introducing me to their children, and telling me what a wonderful time I would have at Hogwarts; them being graduates. Now, I just had to wait for the train to take me to start my new life.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

Express Departure



Finding the Train was difficult, no idea what I had to do to arrive there. I accidently fell through when I rested against the wall, and stumbled into a rather old, and mangled Witch. She thrusted me abck through it, expecting me to have accidentally fallen through. Clearly no Muggle could enter it, but she must of thought me not to be of age due to my lack of height.

I dragged my parents through, grabbing a cart to lug my trunk through the pile up of people towards one of the back compartments. Expecting it to be empty, I was shocked to see it completely full, flooded with students already in their robes from Madam Malkin's. I had to take a middle carriage, and seated myself in a compartment with two other girls. Both appeared rather shy, but I soon knew everything about them. Abby, a small, red-headed girl, came from a powerful line of pure-bloods that assisted in the Ministry's work. Jamie, an average sized, brunette, came from a Muggle family just like me.



I had to lean all the way out of the window of the carriage to crane myself to see my parents, both Jamie and Abby holding my legs to ensure I wouldn't fall out. Saying goodbye to them was hard, but I managed with the company of my friends. The train chugged on, and the station soon disappeared.

The train hurried along the track, never stopping, nor picking up further speed. An hour passed, a knock sounded at the door, and the Candy Lady appeared with her trolly. I bought some Chocolate Frogs, thinking it was just chocolate. The frogs leapt from my paper, my first experience with magical food. All three of us giggled, and then leaded to the window. There in the distance was the school, windows lit up in the darkness. We came to a halt, and left for the school.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

Voyage by Boat

The train grew silent, the busy noise of pattering feet across the carriages of the train was heard. Trunks clunked onto the cobble outside of my window, peering out I grinned from ear to ear. Jamie, and Abby both dragged me from the window by my hands, holding onto them tightly as we stepped off the train. We were greeted by the Groundskeeper, Hagrid, who bellowed for all first years to gather around him. Apparently, it was a tradition of Hogwarts to travel to the school as a first year by boat.



The herd of first years gathered at the docks of the Train Station, looking down at the boats. They were of olden style, not like the ones muggles had; each boat was made of wood, seated approximately three people width wide per row, each had its own latern to guide us through the night, but had no oars. Abby, Jamie and myself were placed alone, near the back of the rest, and we were off.

The journey across the lake felt like it was going to take all night, we were slowly drifting along, as if pulled by chains. The wind began to pick up, blowing my hair everywhere; tieing it up in a ponytail to prevent it from hitting Jamie and Abby further. The moon was dominant in the night sky, poking out from behind the clouds.



While along the trip to the castle, I began to become extremly nervous, a warm flash occured, causing me to dip my hand in the water to relieve the heat, and to ensure I was truely there. Jamie immediately pulled my hand out, saying that there could potentially be some dangerous creatures lurking near the surface.

After awhile, we reached the dock, bumping into it. Scrambling along the wooden planks we reached a staircase, and stepped up to be greeted by Professor McGonagall. She was to take us to be sorted, and I was nervous even more then before. It was comforting to finally meet the woman who had been sending me letters to say I'm a witch. Professor McGonagall was a rather elderly woman by appearance, yet still attractive for her age; she wore a green robe, and a matching pointed hat. A pair of square glasses resided on the bridge of her nose, and she had a rolled parchment in her hand.



Now, all I had to do was make it through the doors, and be sorted.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

And Your House is...

The sound of footsteps across the stone floors echoed through the Entrance Hall, as robes billowed behind each person. Each small head bobbed on every step, as we all gathered outside a pair of large, brown doors which lead to the Great Hall. The doors were enormous compared to us, and were well crafted. A ghost floated out from them, nodding to McGonagall then returning back into the Hall. Professor McGonagall pushed the doors open, revealing the Great Hall and all its occupants.



Four tables lined the hall, each with their respected House Banners floating overhead. Students turned their heads to look at us as we marched in single file behind Professor McGonagall to the front of the Hall. Sitting behind us was the Head Table, consisting of all the current staff of the School, and what I presumed to be the Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. His long beard, and half-moon spectacles perched on his nose. He wore a silver robe, long flowing that accented his beard even more.



Professor Dumbledore announced the commencement of the Term, and that our traditional House Sorting would commence immediately before any food was served; the speach continued for another few minutes, before McGonagall began to call out names. The names were listed in alphabetical order by last name, meaning I would be near the end of the list. Name by name, students sat and placed the old Sorting Hat on their head, being placed in their houses. Then it was my turn.

"Wease, Shandy", Professor McGonagall called forth.

I casually walked up, spun, and sat on the chair, having the Sorting Hat placed upon my head. I starred around realizing every eye was drawn towards me. I kept in my mind my best qualities, and some memories to comfort me. Then it was announced,

"Hufflepuff!", the Sorting Hat bellowed.

I nearly jumped off the stool when that happened, and happily wore a wide grin across my face as I headed to my house table. Taking a seat along with Abby, and some other first years, I began to mingle. Dumbledore once again went on another speech, reminding us of the usual things: Do your best, stay clear of the Forbidden Forest, and Third Years can travel to Hogsmeade if they have returned their signed permission forms. Then, the food appeared, and I ate in celebration.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

First Class

The entire day passed so quickly that I hardly realized I was in the Girls' Dormitory of the Hufflepuff Common Room. I was resting on the edge of my bed, Abby snoring in the next one to my right, I would have figured it was about two in the morning, not due to the clock, but due to the darkness that flooded us. Images of the day kept flooding my mind, overwhelming me with excitement; I just had to write a letter and send it by owl in the morning.

Accientally stirring during the restless sleep, I awoke to be welcomed by the light pouring in through the window near us. Throwing a pillow at Abby, we both got up, dressed in our robes, and did our hair. After about half an hour we were ready to head up to the Great Hall and have some breakfast. The usual noises were heard, the many sounds of footsteps, the random noises of chatter between friends, and the rather large, and awkward gasps coming from startled First Years as ghosts flew through them.



Breakfast was amazing, the food exquisit and well cooked; the House Elfs did a magnificant job. The food ranged from a variety of grains, to pancakes, cereal and eggs. Pumpkin Juice was served at what appeared to be every meal, and the odd glass of Orange Juice at breakfast. I couldn't eat, I had to do something to get my mind off of running out now, missing first class, and delivering my letter which I spent countless hours working on.

Breakfast was done, and Abby and I headed from the Great Hall back to our Commons, the room clean, well decorated, of course in our house colours, and was not as populated as the previous night. We quickly gathered our stuff, looking to our time tables; Potions. Both of us had Potions down in the Dungeons with Professor Snape. Rumor had it that Snape was the toughest of the Professors on other houses then his own; I didn't believe it.

We made our way down the spiral staircase leading towards the dungeons; we took a few turns, arriving into the class. We were one of the first to arrive in the class, Professor Snape was not present. Taking a seat at a vacant table, Abby and I set up, waiting for his appearance. A few minutes later, Snape burst in through the doors; he was a pale, tall man, with a hooked nose, and what looked like greasy, black hair. He immediately barked the jibberish what was our introductory to the class, and ordered us to turn to page five of our books. All the ingredients were set before us, and we were to make the potion shown, on our own to test our potion creating skills. We were to create a boil cure potion; one of his famous, first lesson potions.



Without much instructions, we went on to create the potion. Abby and I specifically measured the accurate amounts of ingredients into the Cauldron, where a group of boys next to us threw them all in at once. Our potion fizzed, bubbled, and spurted a bit, where the boys' bubble, fizzed, and exploded in their faces. The group of people around us laughed in hysteria, and quickly returned to the lesson as Snape yelled at the students; so much for my wishes of a peaceful year.

We had successfuly brewed our first potion, it didn't look good, but it was made correct, and that is all that matters. Class ended, and I was off to my next one. Hopefully, Potions with Snape will get better, but I doubt it.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

Quidditch

Days went on, classes progressed, things became easier, but newer things became harder. That was the life I was living, and today was slightly different. Gryffindor and Slytherin already had their first House Game, and today was the day Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were to play. To others it felt like a chore to down to the Pitch and cheer on their team, but for me it was going to be my first exposure to the sport.

Slytherin and Gryffindor had been always competing for first and second throughout the years apparently, and Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw for third and fourth. Regardless, I felt I should go watch, see what all the hype was about this sport. I did read about it beforehand, knew a little bit about the game, but never saw it in action.

Arriving at the pitch, I was amazed to see six large golden hoops, and tower like stants that were high in the air. Amazed by the spectacle, the whistle sounded, and I had to quickly rush to find a seat to watch. The game played on, many of our players fought desperately to defend against the strong Ravenclaw team. The game progressed, and progressed, two players in total were injured, one from each side. Both being careless and taking their eyes off of the vicious bludger, which struck them both off of their brooms.



Nearly twenty minutes in, I was already standing on edge, cheering frantically for the team, but the whistle sounded, and the game ended. Ravenclaw's seeker had caught the Snitch which put the Ravenclaw team up by twenty points. Although we lost, I had my first experience, and then fell in love with it. It was all that talked about for the next few days, and I kept saving up money so that I could purchase a broomstick next year so I was able to tryout.

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...

The Potential Downfall

The worst day in my life finally came, we all expect to have one, but I wasn't looking forward to having one such as that this day. The day started like every other, breakfast in the Great Hall, then double potions lesson with Professor Snape; however, in the afternoon it all went down the drain and my life crumbled before me.

An urgent letter was delivered to me by a fifth year Gryffindor under the instructions of Headmistress McGonagall. Taking the letter from the child, I skimmed over the usual writing; it was from my mother. Cracking the seal, I poured my soul over reading it, and then it hit me like a tidal wave. I re-read the same words over and over, trying to grasp the reality in those few words: Your father is no longer with us. No child ever wants to bare the news that their father had passed away and that you were in no place near them.

I held myself up, fighting away the tears that were trying to break the barrier and pour down my cheeks, but I never did cry, nor have I to this date. My father means a lot to me, but crying won't ever change the emptiness now present in my life. With that, and all the pressure around school, I left and gave up my Prefect Badge to Professor Sprout. This leave of absence was to be with my family, and was, potentially, permenant. I was willing to give up my life in the Wizarding World to be normal, to be there in the exact spot my family was in.

((More to be Written)

_________________
And our freedom's consuming itself
What we've become is contrary to what we want
Take a bow...