Welcome to Timber Creek

Chapter 1

(Welcome To Timber Creek)

"Welcome to Timber Creek," read Hermione. The giant banner fluttered in the crisp January air. Large blue lettering on the white background looked ominous, in a first day at a new school in a new country, which teaches new and entirely different subjects kind of way.

"Timber Creek High School?" asked Ron. "When they said, 'into hiding' I really didn't think they meant New Jersey." Harry mumbled in agreement.

"Really! It'll be a good learning experience for us. Just look at it as a field trip in Muggle Studies Class. Besides," she added quietly, "no one knows Harry here. There'll be no rumors, or bad press."

"Or no press, if we're lucky," replied Harry.

"Yeah, but New Jersey? Couldn't we go somewhere cool, like New York? Or Los Angeles, or... Utah?"

"What's cool about Utah, Ron" asked Harry.

"Utah," stated Hermione, "joined the Union in 1896, the 45^th state. Capital: Salt Lake City. State flower: Sego Lily. Motto: Industry. Nickname: The Beehive State. Most known for: Mormon religion (including polygamy) and the Winter Olympics a few years back."

"You never cease to amaze me, Hermione," Harry stated in awe.

"Never mind that now. I suppose we should find the headmaster and tell him we're here."

"And ask where we're going," added Ron in an undertone.

Hermione gave him an evil look, and then said, "Let's go."

Meanwhile, in the main office...

Amanda Erdbrink and Marykate Skelly are just getting their final briefing on the exchange student situation from the principal, Mrs. Robinson.

"Okay, girls, I expect you to show these kids where everything is, you know, show them the ropes and whatnot. Marykatherine, the girl you'll be hosting, is in some of the advanced classes with you. Are you sure that you can keep up with the work, and help someone else?"

"Yes, Mrs. Robinson. The work isn't too bad."

"Good then!" She clapped her hands together. "Victoria, you- where is Miss Sterling?"

"I don't know. She probably just forgot. Maybe she's in homeroom," replied Amanda.

Meanwhile, in front of the school...

"Thanks, Mom!" A girl jumped out of the green car, and almost tripped over her own feet. "If this backpack wasn't so heavy...."

Looking up, she noticed three kids staring at her.

"What? Never saw someone late to school?"

"Ummm..." said Ron, slightly confused.

"Ummm...what?" she asked angrily.

"I never...don't you...then where..."

"Ron!" Hermione jabbed him in the side. "They don't live here, idiot."

"Oh, right."

"Shouldn't you be in homeroom or something?" They all just stared at each other.

"Okay, I've got a meeting to be in, so I'm gonna leave now, okay?"

"Wait!" said the previously silent Harry. "We're the exchange students. Do you know where we should be?"

"Yeah, we're hopelessly lost," Hermione added sarcastically.

"Actually, that's the meeting I'm hopelessly late for," replied Tori, not picking up on Hermione's sarcasm. "I'm Tori. Well, technically, Victoria, but only the secretaries, and principals call me that. Follow me!"

Back in the office...

"Okay, so not only are we missing Tori, but the exchange students aren't here either. What now?" asked Amanda.

"I'm not sure, Miss Erdbrink, "I'm not sure at all." The door opened, and Tori, followed by Harry, Ron, and Hermione, entered.

"Miss Sterling! You're late!"

"I'm sorry, I overslept again."

"I'll let you go this time, but please, try to wake up in the morning."

"Yes, Mrs. Robinson. Thank you. I found the exchange students. This is Hermione, Ron, and Harry." Amanda and Marykate waved, while Mrs. Robinson just smiled.

"Welcome to Timber Creek," she said in a principally manner. "I'm so glad you're here, finally. You arrived this morning?" They nodded silently. "Okay. I have an assembly scheduled for 8^th period, so, you all get to miss that class. Now, only the other freshmen, 9^th graders, will be there, so don't be too nervous."

"An assembly?" inquired Marykate nervously.

"Yes. Certainly I told you all about it?" She shook her head. "Oh, sorry. The assembly is just to inform the other students of your participation in the exchange program. And, as for you--" she turned to face the new members of the freshman class, "--these ladies will be your hosts. You'll be living with them, and assuming their class schedules. The electives can't be changed, so I don't want to hear any complaints. Otherwise, you can ask them anything, if you need any help they can't provide, I'll be in my office. Your Vice Principal is Mr. Murphy. Miss Sterling knows where that is."

"A little too well if you ask me. We're almost on a first name basis."

"Thank you, Victoria. Marykate, you'll be hosting Miss Granger. I'm sure you'll be getting along just fine. Mr. Weasley, your host is Miss Erdbrink. This leaves Mr. Potter with Victoria. You all have lunch together, and your electives are in the same hallway, right?"

"Yes, the E hallway," replied Marykate confidently.

"Good, everything seems to be in order then. Off to first period with you, then." The students left walking next to their hosts and new tour guides.