The Nine

Chapter 1: Unexpected News

The sun rose in the eastern sky and cast a magical glow upon Meridian Academy. It was a balmy November morning- a Monday morning, to everyone's dismay. In the warm Icys Tower, five girls slept peacefully. Nakuru Summers, Cora Whisp, Gwen Tomoe, Mira Summers, and Kiera Darwin. Nakuru hugged her pillow tightly. She opened her eyes and looked around the cluttered girls' dormitory. "Professor H. will have our heads if we don't get this mess cleaned up!" She jumped out of bed hurriedly, and ran into their extra large walk-in closet. "Girls, get up! Hedron is doing dorm checks today!" She changed into her everyday uniform, a pair of dress pants and white shirt, and tripped over her trunk as she attempted to lace up her mid-calf length boots mid-air. She landed with a big thud. The others sat up leisurely and laughed at Nakuru who was scurrying around the room.

"You know," started Cora, "one of these days you're going to hurt yourself real bad. Besides, it's only Professor Hedron."

Gwen stood up and searched for her uniform. "Yeah, Nak. It's not like it's Helyx. Now that's something to worry about." She hobbled into the changing closet, and emerged fully dressed in ten seconds. She smiled at Mira and Kiera who were still in bed, hiding under their covers. "And as for you two," she started, "we do have classes today. Just because we get an extra forty-five minutes, doesn't mean you can sleep-in." She walked between the two beds and grabbed the edge of the sheets. With a quick tug, the blankets flew across the room and landed on Nakuru, who was impatiently trying to brush her hair.

She growled impatiently. "Everyone out of bed now!" Her voice echoed through the tower, and Mira giggled silently.

"Alright, Nak. We get the picture..." Mira crawled out of bed, and dragged herself to the changing closet. She got dressed and sleepily walked back to her bed and plunked down. She gave a sigh, and looked over at Nakuru who had finally put her brush down and had begun adjusting her customary black tie. "I'm out of bed and I'm dressed. What more do you want?"

Nakuru smiled. "You could clean up your half of the room." Mira grumbled, and proceeded to tidy up. Nakuru turned to Kiera, who was still in her pyjamas and slippers. "C'mon Ki, we need to hurry up. Classes start in half-an hour, and you need to help out a bit, alright?"

Kiera looked at Nakuru and glared. "Don't piss me off today, Nak. I'm running out of places to hide the bodies." With that, she got up, changed, and headed out the door with her books.

Cora sighed. "It's people like her that make you want to..."

"Throw up, heave- barf? Pick one," Mira chuckled as she finished the last lace on her boots. "Is everything okay, Nak?" She glanced over at Nakuru who was looking out the window.

She seemed to have a longing look in her eyes. She turned to Mira. "Yeah," she replied softly.

Mira smiled. "Not you, the room."

Nakuru stuck out her tongue playfully. "Yeah, it's fine." She grabbed her books from her wooden desk. "Alright, let's head down to the Caf and get something to eat on the way to Divination."

With this, the four remaining girls headed down to the Icys Common Room. As they entered the circular room, they noticed Professor Helyx sitting in the armchair closest to the fireplace. She smiled vaguely. "You three can go ahead to your class," she stated, pointing at Kiera, Cora, and Gwen. She smiled as they agreed and exited the Common Room. "Nakuru," she began, "there's something I need to tell you." She looked at Nakuru with an expression of sympathy. "You may want to sit down for this."

Nakuru sat silently. "What's up, Doc?" she asked with a smile. "Come to warn me about dorm checks? Because if so, we've got it all covered ma'am."

Professor Helyx looked Nakuru in the eyes. "Please call me Seph- I hate formalities. I'm afraid, Nakuru, I have some bad news." She shifted in her seat. "We received a letter by owl today from a Mr. Rupert Gerrant. Do you know him?"

Nakuru grinned. "Yeah! My mom and I live with him in out in Ontario. What about him?"

Professor Helyx bowed her head slightly. "We received an owl from him today... I'm afraid your mother has passed away, Nakuru." She looked up at Nakuru, with tears in her eyes. "I truly am sorry my dear."

Nakuru couldn't speak. Tears began to fill her eyes. "My mom is- she's dead?" She looked around the room as the tears began to stream down her face, trying not to look at the headmistress.

Professor Helyx went to Nakuru and put her arms around her. "I'm so sorry," she said, trying to comfort her. "There was nothing anyone could do. Mr. Gerrant explained everything in the letter."

"What happened?" Nakuru demanded. "Was she sick? Why didn't she tell me?"

"He said that she died peacefully, Nakuru," Helyx insisted. "I knew your mother very well. I'm sorry for your loss."

Nakuru looked up at the Professor. "Seph," she started as tears continued streamed down her face, "I don't have anyone left. I have no family. What am I going to do?" She wiped the tears away from her now sore eyes. Seph looked at Nakuru with a look of commiseration in her eyes.

"Mr. Gerrant, as he is in his old-age, is unable to care for you, Nakuru." She spoke softly, as Nakuru nodded. "It was stated in your mother's will that you be placed in the custody of Remus Lupin. I, personally, don't know who this man is, Nakuru. Do you?" Nakuru shook her head silently. "Allegedly, this man is your godfather. But unfortunately, we were unable to contact him. However, we did find someone else."

Nakuru looked confusedly at Seph. "Someone else? Who Persephone?"

She looked at Nakuru and smiled. "His name is Albus Dumbledore. He is a good friend of Lupin's, and has agreed to take you in until Mr. Lupin can be contacted."

Nakuru looked even more puzzled. "Dumbledore? You mean the headmaster at Hogwarts?"

The Professor smiled and nodded. "Yes, Nakuru. He has requested that you be transferred to Hogwarts. If possible, by Wednesday."

"Wednesday? Are you crazy? What about my friends? What about my classes here? What about Rupert? I can't move to England and go to Hogwarts!" Nakuru's mood had just taken a dramatic twist. "I just lost the most important person in the world to me, and you expect me to give up my friends, too? In three days, no less! That's just being insensitive and unfair!"

Professor Helyx sighed. "It's the only way, Nakuru. We can't keep you here. Your guardian for the time being is Albus, and it's his call. He insists upon it." She lowered her head. "I'm sorry. There's no other way, Nakuru. It's either him, or you're on your own..."

Nakuru's jaw dropped. "But what about everyone else?"

Persephone shrugged. "Albus knew that you would need some sort of incentive to leave this place... If your friends wish- and if their parents will permit it- they can join you at Hogwarts."

Nakuru was taken aback at the suggestion. "Is he- are you serious?"

Helyx nodded. "Now, I'm sure you have a lot to think about...let things sink in and what-have-you. Classes were cancelled for today, so I'll let you head down to the Caf and get to your friends."

Nakuru stood and wiped away the remainder of her tears. "Thank you for your help with all of this Seph."

Professor Helyx smiled and stood as well. "Anything for one of my best students."

With this Nakuru made her way out of the Common Room, and headed down to the over-crowded Caf. The loud banter of the colossal population of the school grew louder as she exited Icys tower. As she took a detour through the Charms wing, she passed Charubi, the castle's magical spirit. She was a very small imp, coming only up to Nakuru's waist, and was coloured entirely pink.

"Hey! Wait!" The girl shouted as Nakuru headed for the stairs.

Nakuru stopped. "What's wrong Charubi?"

Charubi's smile turned into a frown. "Nakuru's going away and leaving Rubes behind. You'll forget all about Rubes, won't you?"

Nakuru sighed. "Yeah, I have to leave... But I won't forget you, Rubes."

Charubi raised an eyebrow. "Oh no? Well, it seems Nak forgets already that Charubi can see future things. Does Nak not remember this?"

Nakuru smirked. "So I'm a bit forgetful... But I promise I won't forget you."

Charubi didn't smile. "Nak can't lie well. You will see, you will. One day, Nak will forget all. She will not know Rubes. She will not know even him Nak loves."

"What do you mean, Charubi?" Nakuru was confused.

"You no understand Nakuru. You will know no one. You be lonely, and have no one except family. And when you feel alone, all will be forgot. But Rubes can change this. Rubes can make Nak remember forever and ever. That way Nak can keep her promise."

Nakuru bowed her head and smiled. "I promise I won't forget you, Rubes," she said with conviction.

Charubi looked as if she was going to cry. "Nakuru no understand! She cannot see what Charubi sees. You promise me now... But me not one you promise to when it counts most." A tear streamed down Charubi's face. "If Nak could only see what Charubi sees. It will be up to Nakuru to make those who forget remember when the time comes. But Nakuru won't know she remembers...something must make her remember."

"Make me remember what? You're not making any sense."

"Charubi cannot say right now. It not right time. But me tells you now, you will unlock greater powers than Nak know she haves... And Nak will forget... But Rubes can stop this."

Nakuru decided to sit on a nearby bench. "Alright. Go on...."

Charubi smiled. "Nakuru will forgets Rubes no matter what. But Charubi's magic can help Nak keep her promise to friends she have yet to meet..."

Nakuru raised her eyebrow. "What do you mean, Rubes? Who?"

Charubi floated on her pink cloud and thought for a moment. "Me not know names. But friends of future be closest to Nakuru's heart. That is seeable now to Rubes. Me know you will forget me, but me helps you not forget them. Kay?"

Nakuru crossed her legs. "Alright, Charubi..." Undoubtedly, Nakuru was baffled entirely by what Charubi was saying. Combine that with her childish way of talking, and Nakuru was completely in the dark.

"This magic be stronger than Time and Nature's... They may be strong, but Charubi be stronger than them. They will wants you to forget, but Charubi will stop them. Rubes will put her magic in you, Nak, and Nakuru will be untouched by curse. Me perform spell now. Ready, Nak?"

Nakuru uncrossed her legs, and stood up. She smiled as she looked at Charubi, who now floated at eye-level. "Alrighty. You know, you were always a pain in the ass to everyone else, but not me. I always wanted to know why."

Charubi laughed. "Oh that easy! Nakuru so silly! Charubi nicer to Nak because Nak needs Rubes, and Rubes needs a good friend like Nak... Thank you." Nakuru smiled and nodded. "Now me do spell." With these words, Charubi closed her eyes and began the spell. It was as though the small imp had been possessed by another- her voice changed, and instead of the bubbly childish voice Nakuru had grown accustomed to, Charubi's voice was now delicate and mature;

Spirits of magic

Creatures of night

I foresee trouble

Evils and fights

Bind my powers to this carrier

Bend the ever-lasting barrier

In the future, a curse I see

From this fate, keep her free

I ask The Powers this golden November

Alter the future, let her remember

Charubi finished the incantation, and opened her eyes. A small glowing orb began to form between Charubi's hands. Eight small jewels were formed, and created a pendant, which took the form of an eight-pointed star. Charubi looked down at Nakuru. "Charubi knows you will forget her, but me ask anyways... Please don't forget me, Nakuru...please? Will Nak promise me this?"

Nakuru smiled. "I told you already. I promise that I won't forget you."

"Good," she started. "Now Charubi must complete the spell. Charubi's spirit must seal the magic in pendant...and Nak must go to friends. It almost lunch time, and Nik-Nak is hungry." Charubi smiled, and gave a cute giggle- one Nakuru was sure she'd miss. She began to fade, until all that was left was a glowing jewel, which took its place in the centre of the pendant. Nine jewels. Red, Blue, Yellow, White, Black, Purple, Orange, Green, and the centre stone, Pink.

Nakuru sighed. "Bye Rubes..." She stood for a moment, and thought about what had just happened. What am I going to forget? Who will I make a promise to? Friends I have yet to meet? Nakuru's mind was full of questions. She was still getting over her mother's sudden death, but deep down she knew she was okay. She was going to be leaving her life behind now, and was about to be starting something that would change her forever. She didn't know what, but she wasn't going to dwell on it. Charubi could see the future- far into the future. Nakuru's visions were only of things that would happen in the immediate future. It was rare for her to have a vision a few weeks before it happened. But she had things to do, and people to see.

It was now lunch, as Rubes had said. Nakuru was hungry- very hungry. Realizing that she must look odd standing by herself in the middle of the hallway, she decided to make her way to the Caf as she'd intended.

Nakuru walked into the Caf and spotted the others sitting at the end of the Icys Table. She walked over, and sat between Christian and Cora. Christian, her closest male friend, was engrossed in a game of Wizard's Chess with Mira. It was obvious that Mira was winning, but Christian wouldn't quit unless he knew he was screwed. Nakuru smiled softly. "Guys, I have something to tell you all..." As she spoke, the others went silent. "Seph got a letter from Rupert."

Christian smirked. "That guy knows how to use an owl? Man, you learn something new every day."

Nakuru shook her head. "That's beside the point Chris. Actually, you guys may want to prepare yourselves for what I'm about to tell you." They all sat silently, and looked patiently at Nakuru. "My mom passed away this morning...and my temporary guardian lives in England. They want me to move there and go to Hogwarts."

Gwen, flabbergasted, fell over and into a group of students walking through the aisle. "But Nak, you! Oh my god I'm so sorry, Nak! But you...you..."

A look of shock came over Cora's face. "You're leaving?"

Nakuru bowed her head. "It isn't that bad... Albus said that you guys could come with me if your parents said it was okay." She looked up and smiled broadly. "Guys, wanna come with me to England and go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"

Cora leapt out of her seat and began jumping up and down. "Hell yes! I wouldn't let you go without me if your life depended on it!"

Chris gave Nakuru a curious look as he raised an eyebrow. "Like you had to ask..."

Gwen joined Cora in jumping, and started shouting. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!"

Nakuru looked over at Mira who smiled shyly. "Sorry, Nak." Nakuru and the others stopped dead in their tracks. "I mean, I want to, I really do. But I just transferred here from Burgeo. I can't afford to lose more school time. I'm sorry."

Nakuru smiled and hugged Mira. "Y'know, I'm glad you told me the truth. I wouldn't make you. Four it is, then!" Feeling that everything was settled, they high-fived each other and sat back down. "Well now that that's taken care of, we need to give notice to our Professors."

Gwen chuckled. "Alright! No more Prof Hedron!"

Cora grinned broadly. "And no more Ludwig! Man, I can't wait to get out of here."

Chris smiled at Nakuru. "Aw man! This is going to rule!" He conjured two bottles of Jolt, and looked at Nakuru and grinned. "To better days..."

Nakuru grabbed up her bottle. "To better days." With that, the two toasted, and chugged half the bottle. Chris wasn't too good at swallowing his mouthful, because he snorted half of it out his nose. Nakuru and the others began to laugh crazily. "This is definitely the start of better things to come."

***

Chapter 2: Long Way From Home

The five of the soon-to-be Hogwarts students decided it would be a good idea to start packing as soon as possible. With that in their minds, they decided to head back up to the Icys Tower to go pack, and to get ready for the trip ahead of them. They had to give their Professors notice as soon as possible. None of them could wait to shove those lovely pieces of paper in their teachers' faces saying that they were free to go! Chris was in the boys' dorm frantically packing everything he could into his oversized trunk.

Back in the girls' dorm, the four girls were packing their suitcases and trunks. Nakuru had packed all her clothes, and was out of her uniform. Instead, she was wearing her baby-blue "slacking pants", a black tank top with "Nik-Nak" across the front in baby-blue lettering, and her black, mid-calf length combat boots.

Cora was over at her bed packing her clothes as well. She'd tossed aside her uniform, and was now wearing a not-too-fancy long, black skirt, a tight, black, "I AM CANADIAN" T-shirt with red lettering, and black, high-heel, knee-length boots. She was hurriedly tossing out old things she didn't want for when she started her new life.

All of their parents were notified, but Gwen was just happy to leave. She, possessing greater magical powers, floated around as she threw stuff out, and stole some of Mira's clothes. Gwen, like the others, had changed into her casual wear. She was now wearing her black jeans that went much past her feet, her red hoodie sweater, and was still sporting the black school tie. She, too, was excited about the trip to England.

Kiera was in the oversized walk-in closet, deciding what to toss, and what to keep. She was wearing her black baggy pants, a lime green tank top with black stars running up the sides, along with her arrangement of studded bracelets. She kicked off her school boots, and slid into her comfy running shoes that had been kicked under her bed.

They were done. Everything was packed and ready to be sent away. As fort heir teachers, Prof Helyx had done the honours for them. The four girls met up with Chris in the Caf at supper, and began to talk anxiously. Tomorrow they would be leaving for England and a brand new life. Chris chowed down on a hamburger and guzzled his Pepsi, whilst the girls picked off Mira's extra-large poutine. They would hate to leave the school behind. They'd been there since they were ten. Now that they were sixteen, leaving would feel like losing a part of their heritage, culture, and overall way of life.

"I am seriously going to miss this place," piped up Cora, who was munching away at her nachos and salsa.

Nakuru loaded her plate with another helping of dill pickles and fries with gravy. "Yeah. Memories, guys... Six years, and we're leaving because of me."

Gwen smacked her on the back of the head. "How dare you blame yourself? It's not your fault, okay? We want to go."

Kiera stopped eating her pretzels. "Don't worry about it, Nak."

Nakuru smiled. "Okay, no more worries." They finished their meal, and decided it would be a good idea if they were to get to bed early. After all, it was nine o'clock by the time they were done eating. They were never sure why, but they always loved late meals.

The girls crawled up to the door to their dorm, and said goodnight to Chris who was sleepily heading into his dorm across the hall. The four of them plunked down on their beds and changed into their pyjamas, one at a time, in the changing closet. Their uniforms had been left lying on the floor, and their suitcases and trunks were neatly arranged in a giant heap beside the door. Cora had fallen asleep the moment she hit her bed, still in her day clothes. She had curled up comfortably beside her exotic cat, Jubill. Jubill was, by far, the strangest cat any of them had ever seen. She was a lavender shorthair with black paws, and pale grey eyes. She was very clam and never bothered anyone but Gwen's cat, Miggles. Miggles was a grey, black, and white shorthair tabby with bright blue eyes. Jubill would always hiss at Miggles if she went anywhere near Cora's bed.

Nakuru, already changed into her pyjamas, walked over to the window, and stood beside the perched black and silver barn owl, Arwen. She scratched its head gently, then returned to her bed, and plunked down. She looked over at Mira. "You're sure you don't want to come along Mira?"

Mira smiled from behind her covers. "Yeah, I'm sure," she replied. "I've got it going for me here. I made the Quidditch team, my marks are higher than they've ever been, and I have new friends. I can't move mid semester again. It would be too hard for me."

Nakuru smiled as she got under her covers. "Alright. I'm just saying, though. You said something about your other friends transferring to Hogwarts. Wouldn't it be nice to--"

"It would be different. Things don't ever stay the same. You just go to Hogwarts and have fun, okay?" Mira turned over on her side and closed her eyes.

Nakuru sighed. "Alright." She made herself comfortable, and then closed her eyes.

"Try not to forget the little people back here in good ol' Canada. And don't forget Meridian. I know you'll try, but don't." Mira chuckled quietly.

Nakuru looked into the darkness where Mira's four-poster would be. "Promise."

Gwen sleepily hopped into her bed, and pulled the covers over her head. "None of us are going to forget anything."

Kiera laughed as she emerged from the changing closet. "Oh yes I will! I am definitely going to forget Hedron and Ludwig! I can't wait to leave this place."

Gwen laughed from beneath her layers of sheets. She was slowly drifting to sleep as Cora had. Cora had pulled her covers over her, and was sleeping comfortably. Kiera had slipped into her bed, and was humming some song quietly to herself.

Nakuru had fallen asleep rather quickly, despite the day's events. With her mother gone, and her transfer to Hogwarts, things would never be the same for her. Things would never be the same for any of them.

***

Nakuru tossed the blankets from her bed absently in her sleep. She was dreaming...

Nakuru found herself in a dark room, similar to her common room. She wasn't sure how, but it felt familiar. In the opposite corner, a girl with dark hair was sitting by the fireplace. "Why don't you just go home?" the girl asked as Nakuru took a step forward.

"I can't. I don't have a home."

The girl shook her head. "Just give up. Nobody wants you here. This place isn't big enough for both of us," the girl continued as she stared into the fire.

***

Morning came soon enough, to the four girls' dismay. They were inexplicably tired for some reason, and did not want to get out of bed. The sun shone through their open windows, and cast its glow through the room. Kiera groaned as she sat up. She stood quietly, and hobbled over to Nakuru's bed. With a mischievous grin on her face, she plunked down on top of Nakuru, and made herself comfy. Nakuru jumped out of bed, and shrieked as if she'd been given an electric shock. "Ki!" she gasped for air. "Don't ever do that again!"

Kiera doubled over laughing. Cora sat up reluctantly as Gwen came over and pulled the blankets away. "C'mon Core!" she yelled as she flung the blankets across the room. "It's the day after yesterday and it's very sunny and hot out!"

Cora groaned. "It's too early to get up..." She looked over at the alarm clock. It read 11:34 am. "Ah! We have to leave in an hour!" With this, she sprang out of bed, and fixed herself up, having left her clothes on from the previous night. She looked at Mira who was laughing from under her covers. "You think it's funny, do you?"

Mira looked up and smiled. "Yes, yes I do actually."

Nakuru sat up and laughed. "I don't know if you've forgotten, Mira...but you, unlike us, have classes today." She looked at Mira with an evil grin. "You missed Potions and Transfiguration."

Mira stopped laughing and a look of horror came across her face. "Oh shit!" she bolted into the closet just as fast as Cora had. She came out, wearing the usual Meridian uniform. She grabbed her books, and ran for the door. "Have a nice trip, and see you's later!" With that, Mira disappeared down toward the Icys Common Room.

Gwen giggled. "She left in a hurry... Ludwig and Hedron will have her in detention cleaning the trophy cases for weeks!"

Kiera laughed along with Gwen, until Nakuru shoved her off the bed. She landed with a thud, and was just about to punch Nakuru in the face, when a voice filled the room. "You four do realize we leave in half-an hour?"

The four looked towards the doorway, and spotted Chris with his arms folded. He was fully dressed in his usual getup, baggy black pants and a red superman T-shirt. He laughed at Nakuru and Kiera who were in the midst of a pillow fight, then sighed as he walked over to break it up. "Ah girls and pillow fights... Come on, we have to go now. Get dressed."

Nakuru looked up at Chris. "What are you doing in the girls' dorms?" She smiled as she waited for an answer.

Chris shrugged. "I came to wake you's up."

Nakuru pulled the blankets up to her chin. "Well, that becomes a problem in one sense."

Chris raised his eyebrow. "And what problem may this be?" He smiled at Nakuru evilly.

"I sleep naked," replied Nakuru with a grin on her face.

Chris backed away slowly, then stopped a few feet away from her bed. "Don't get up! Wait..." He paused for a minute. "Get up."

Nakuru had a broad smile across her face. "I need to get dressed anyway." With this, she stood up, revealing her...

"Neon pink pyjamas?" Chris exclaimed.

The four girls laughed. "Get your hopes up, Chris?" asked Cora with a chuckle.

"No!" Chris' ears turned pink.

"Hey! Your ears match Nak's pyjamas!" exclaimed Gwen, who had changed back into her red hoodie sweater and extra, extra long black baggy jeans. She was laughing at Chris who had now taken a seat at Nak's desk.

"Oh shut up you!" he yelled from across the room and buried his face in his arms.

Kiera had gotten dressed, and was wearing her black baggy pants, and lime green tank top with the stars running up the side. She jumped onto her bed, and looked over at her grey screech owl. She smiled as she sat up and conjured herself a cookie. "Ah conjuring... The one thing I must thank Professor Young for teaching us."

"Yeah, he's the best," added Chris. "Did you know that he used to teach Science at a muggle high-school in some place called Pembroke? It's in Ontario somewhere."

Nakuru's jaw dropped. "No way! That's awesome!" She walked into the changing closet, and emerged with her blue pants and black tank top. She looked at the alarm clock. "Oh shit! It's 12:25!"

Cora gasped. "Let's go people!"

With this, the five, fully dressed, apparated to the Front Foyer. They arrived only seconds later, and spotted Prof Helyx. Nakuru rushed over. "We made it, Seph!"

"It's Professor Helyx, Ms. Summers." Professor Helyx smiled. "Alright. I have some things you should keep in mind." The five smiled and nodded. "Okay. The Esper Bus waiting outside will take you directly to Pembroke. It's a small town in Ontario. It's very nice. Now, from there, there'll be a portkey. It is set to eight thirty. You take that portkey, and it will take you directly to Hogsmeade. When you arrive in Hogsmeade, a man named Hagrid will be waiting for you."

Gwen looked confused. "Okay- Hogsmeade is in England, right?"

"Yes, Gwen, it's a magical village," replied Persephone.

"Okay, now who's Hagrid?" asked Chris.

Professor Helyx smiled. "He is the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts. He is very amiable, despite his image."

Nakuru looked at Kiera, then to Professor Helyx. "Image, Seph?"

She smiled. "Yes, he's quite tall...trust me, you'll know him when you see him."

The five agreed, and were led outside. It was a very sunny and humid outside. Chris stretched and sighed. "Only at Meridian will a typical November day consist of humidity and sunshine." He chuckled to himself.

Nakuru bowed her head. "Oh yeah, I forgot... There's snow in the outside world." She looked over at the big bus awaiting them. "I'm going to miss the barrier..."

Gwen ran over to the bus. "Yeah, no more year-round summer." She hopped onto the bus and rushed for the back seats. Kiera and Cora quickly followed her. Behind them were Chris and Nakuru. They took up the back two seats, and the one right in front of them.

Gwen, being very impatient, yelled to the driver. "Hey you!"

"Yeah?" he yelled back. "Whadda yeh want? And how do you know my name?"

Gwen looked confusedly at the driver. "We would like to leave now. And I don't know your name."

The driver turned around and smiled. "Yes yeh do. Me name's Heyyou. Welcome to Esper Bus number 9568. Glad to be yer driver today folks."

The five greeted him, and then became rather quiet in their seats. Chris and Nakuru were in one seat, Cora and Gwen in another, and Kiera had drifted asleep already in her own seat. Nakuru and Chris were having a thumb-war, and Chris was losing again. Cora and Gwen were playing rock-paper-scissors, but kept getting the same things. Heyyou was nice enough to let them eat on the bus, because it was already past lunch, and the five of them were hungry, having not eaten breakfast. Their long trip had begun, and they were now en-route to Pembroke, Ontario, hometown of Professor Young.