simple feelings are so hard to describe

2006-06-18T18:30:00.000+08:00

On A Breakwater

on a breakwater
you can hear the ocean sigh
sometimes louder, sometimes softer
but always melancholy;

you can see the sky - a pale grey blue
stretching its cirrus fingers to an unknown horizon;
the fresh salt tang plays with your hair,
your clothes,
it makes your eyes prickle (you knew it would);

and you can see the waves
cresting foam-white and blue

so pale

whispering gently to the shore
with its moss and algae growing up the rocks, slowly,
patiently
their only respite the drowning coolness of seawater

you can sit and watch
a wisp of cloud,
a scuttling crab,
a ship,
fading
into nothingness

I could sit and watch my life pass me by

I would only need cathartic waves
underneath a grey blue sky.

2005-10-30T15:24:00.000+08:00

Changi
(Revisited)

the heat haze is gone
dissipated
into the melancholy October sky.
But the inmates remain -
locked up in their minds,
their eyes misty
and as blank as the shuttered French windows
of the bungalows outside (they haven't been occupied
in years).

Try not to look at their skin
brown,
and as parched as the fallen angsana leaves;
forget the fermenting smell of urine
and the hovering flies
like vultures waiting to feast
on diseased meat
and bones
sticking out through sallow skin.

always believe what they say about a second childhood.
It helps you forget
and gloss over
the repeated mutterings of the inmates
lingering in the still and silent Changi air.
Silent;
because the cicadas are already dead.

2005-10-25T22:52:00.000+08:00

Confessions of a Teenager

whispers
quick looks under raised eyebrows
silence;
and then the paranoia begins

furtive glances,
a sudden giggle -
turning insecurity into a phobia
and low self-esteem into boiling self-hate
- cause I'm not fucking perfect

At the Hotel Home
we have the best facilities
the best staff
our motto: "Service with a smile".
all requests granted
no questions asked
and best of all:
beds, meals and facilities are free-of-charge!

Customers please note: Staff at the Hotel take their dinners around the TV set from 7 - 7.30 p.m. Please move to another area during that period. Thank you. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

III

scruffed jeans - check
loud shirt - check
sneakers - converse only, please
my contacts are on
my hair's spiked
the cologne still lingers

hey, I'm cool

right?

Tell me I am.

please?

dunes of assignments await
there is no stopping
there is only working
to see who is first to reach the Promised Land beyond the desert.
there is no rest
from formulae and concepts, quotes and symbols;
there is no escape
from the greedy black hole of assessment.

but there are no waving palm trees in the end.
there is no oasis.
they were simply a mirage in the desert heat.

there are no victors
in the wasteland of education.

here I am, once again
out in the cold
you never saw me for who I was.
you never liked me.
my spiked hair, my scruffed jeans
you never cared
not even when I tried.

Angst is creeping in
I should have known it would
because I knew I?d never fit in.
I've made my mistakes
I've got nowhere to run

Will you take me in?

My heart is open.
My soul is bare.

If you would only listen.

2005-06-22T18:02:00.000+08:00

Untitled

I sat with you
on a hilltop, under the stars
which were dripping yellow tears
and twinkling
in a kaleidoscope of burning-white technicolour -

I savoured your smell
your musk;
then I devoured it
like the stars were eating away at the sky
I lusted
you satisfied

The taste of you was ripe on my lips.
I closed my eyes
and let us drift
together
in a dense fog of twinkling yellow
spinning in a kaleidoscope of burning-white technicolour -

I love you
I crave for you
I would die for you

'cause I need you
my beautiful marijuana
and I never wanna let you go

2005-06-22T17:58:00.000+08:00

Writer's Block

A candle flickers
warm light casting shadows
on his tired eyes
and wasted cheekbones -
skin burning with unfulfilled inspiration

he knows
he knows
that writers always need personal experiences
but his is too painful to bear
as his destructive muses -
regret, fear - loneliness -
whisper from the dark chambers
of an unbalanced mind
they dance their dance
of unspoken guilt
and desire that never was

- this is to a girl who got into my head
with all the fucked up things I did -

his eyes turn bloodshot
as the vodka sings to his muses
turning them into cackling screams
that echo
echo
in a wasteland of forgotten memories

the candle flickers and dies.
he closes his eyes
hears the echoes
and lets the unrelenting screams consume him -
for he knows
he knows
his soul is dead

2005-06-02T22:16:00.000+08:00

Plastic Spastic

silicone is a wonderful material
don't you think

you can stuff it anywhere you like
and yeah, it is rather soft and squishy
but who cares
you only need a firm butt
washboard abs
- and a killer chest, of course
to succeed
in this meritocratic world

it's all rather convenient,
just draw some circles on your body
take some fat off here
add a little silicone just there
oh, and while you're at it
get a nicer nose
and chin
and lips
don't forget the double eyelids, too

and of course, it's not painful at all
you just have a little blood squirting out here
not really a lot, just copious amounts
oh, that and how your skin'll get torn apart
grafted here and there
it's rather as if
the body is a sort of natural ore

and remember, you only feel like shit once
after all, what's a little pain in the name of beauty, right?

2005-06-02T21:59:00.000+08:00

Termination

135, 100, 70
meaningless numbers on moving metal boxes
red and white, and purple
or with gaudy ads
colours wildly clashing
with the screech of tyres

oil leaks
drop
by
drop
a dribble of dead liquid on the gravel
come to think of it, the gravel is dead too
and so are all of them
they stare, souls vacated
eyes fixed upon a distant utopia
that was never really visible anyway
or maybe
they're just dead

where do they go?
where does the bus
terminate?
at the end of a dead stretch of gravel
or perhaps, in a distant utopia
that we have not yet seen?
it may be a better place -
better than here, anyway

76.
the air is cold, dry. dull.
dead.
I sit
and stare
at my non-existent utopia
as the bus trundles on.

and after all that, I still become one of them.

2005-06-01T19:43:00.000+08:00

I looked out into the night sky, and found it dark and forbidding. The clouds were ashen, lightning flashing behind them as behind a thin veil, briefly illuminating the paleness, the greyness. Thunder rumbled, and I listened - I listened to the whispers, and they struck me as hostile and unbecoming. They told me - yes, they told me - I was alone. I had no one. No one to call my own. I had been forsaken. I listened, and the whispers grew louder, louder - they became hysterical screams, resounding into the emptiness of the night, deafening me with their repeated chants of loneliness and hostility, overwhelming me, throwing me into a web of darkness, a mire that was inescapable. They screamed, and I screamed - screamed at the unfairness of it all, I screamed, knowing, knowing that no one would hear me. I was forsaken. I knew it was pointless. I fell, fell into a vortex of spiraling fear and loneliness. I knew I was alone, I knew, even as the screams stopped and became whispers again, whispers that laughed at me, even as the wind curled its cold fingers around my throat, and the lightning flashed. The clouds faded, faded into their own paleness and greyness.

I was alone.

I fell, fell for what seemed like an eternity, until I heard whispers again. I did not know what they said, I only knew that they were welcoming me, they were cleansing me, cleansing me of the guilt and the pain and the loneliness. I closed my eyes and let a lifetime of weariness get washed away. The whispers surrounded me, and I felt their warmth, their closeness.

I opened my eyes, and looked out at the night sky. In the vast darkness twinkled a few stars, their light so remote, but so piercing, so bright. They whispered, and though I did not know what they said, I felt their warmth, their closeness. All was calm.

The stars twinkled, twinkled in my night sky, and I knew I was no longer alone.

Changi

2005-05-29T21:25:00.001+08:00

Changi

straggly trees
outlining the roadsides
claustrophobic avenues
leading off into the June sunshine
and a green heat haze

barbed wire and twenty-foot walls
a mile away from the beach
a mile away from anywhere
armoured trucks and green fences
shimmering in oily light
Idyllic?
I hardly think so

And then
a house on a hill
orange and pale green
old;
dead;
and the cicadas serenade a funeral march

the inmates stare
blankly
their lives as dull as the whitewashed walls
ernie els is on TV
but no one cares
only the shimmer above the green seems familiar

the nurses are smiling,
smiling -
through the sallowness of their despised existence -
bustling about and trying to breathe life
into a place that died long ago

there are these old people
in a green house on a hill
imprisoned in the recesses of their minds
imprisoned behind a green fence
they only see the shimmering heat haze -

and hear the cicadas
shrill and unrelenting
serenading a funeral march

Chapter XX

2004-11-30T21:37:00.000+08:00

Chapter XX

Rachel joined the fourth-years for their lessons after lunch. She was warmly welcomed by her fellow classmates and teachers alike. Professor June inquired anxiously about her health, and seemed most relieved and happy when she found out no permanent damage had been done. However, Sunny and Yihui were still sticking closely to her, afraid that something of the same sort might happen again. They werenâ€™t taking second chances.

And as much as they tried to avoid him, Desmond seemed to be everywhere they went. They met him along the corridors, in classrooms he had just been to, outside the staffroom. And each time they met it always seemed that Rachel wanted to say something, but at the sight of her two friendsâ€™ faces, she decided that it would be better left unsaid. It always ended up in Yihui glaring at Desmond so fiercely that he had no choice but to walk away.

â€œDonâ€™t associate with him anymore,â€� Yihui said after their third meeting in just about half an hour, which had nearly ended in Yihui launching into a tirade against Desmond. Mercifully Sunny and Rachel had intervened in time.

â€œStop being so suspicious, will you? Itâ€™s so irritating,â€� Rachel complained.

Yihui looked affronted. â€œBut... but itâ€™s all for your own good! Really, I â€“â€œ

But she never got to explain herself. Rachel had stalked off.

â€œHonestly, youâ€™d think that girl didnâ€™t know what was best for herself,â€� Yihui muttered, but it was half-hearted.

----------

She had wrenched free from her friends - especially that irritating Yihui â€“ and was making her way down the corridor leading to the Charms classroom. She looked out at the expansive grounds, thinking, calming herself down. The greenery seemed to help. Seeing other students frolicking on the grass or sitting by the lake, seeing them happy, somehow made her more aware of her position. At least not everyone was involved in this whole hullabaloo.

She was just getting ready to start walking back again when she heard the thud of books behind her, followed by a loud smash. Turning around, she saw that someone had dropped a couple of books and an ink bottle on the floor.

â€œHere,â€� she said, as she ran over and picked up one book. She was just dusting it when she realised who that person was.

Desmond was quivering. His eyes were downcast.

â€œThanks,â€� he muttered hurriedly. Then, snatching the book out of Rachelâ€™s grasp, he started walking off, looking as if nothing had happened.

She remembered his eyes, doleful and sad, and then she realised what an unfeeling idiot she had been â€“

â€œHey! Desmond!â€� she called out, running to his side.

He kept quiet, eyes still downcast.

â€œI just want to say, I... I donâ€™t blame you or anything, okay?â€� she winced. She hated how light and breezy it sounded. She hated the hesitant tone with which she had said it.

Seeing him still avoiding looking at her, she continued, â€œI mean, I really think you didnâ€™t like... poison me or anything... and though the others â€“â€œ and here her thoughts turned to Sunny and Yihui, â€œthough they may say all those things about you, just keep in mind that Iâ€™m not like them, alright?â€�

He chanced a look at her, at her earnestness and her sincerity. He smiled. It was the first time in a long time. â€œThanks,â€� he said. He meant it.

----------

â€œWell, you sure look happy now,â€� Sunny remarked when Rachel had reached the Arithmancy classroom. Rachel flashed a smile and settled down in her seat, looking loads more composed then she had before her little rendezvous with Desmond.

No sooner had she sat down then Professor Helmi hurried up and looked at her closely. Rachel felt rather uncomfortable under his gaze, and started fidgeting.

Professor Helmi continued looking, before nodding sagely a few times. â€œYou look fine, Rachel,â€� he said wisely.

They all snorted. Trust him to give silly comments.

â€œSo, since you look alright,â€� and now he turned and addressed the class in general, â€œyou will please turn to page 102 of your textbook. We will be starting on a new chapter today...â€�

As Professor Helmi went on, Rachel whispered to her neighbours, â€œHey, remember to tell me what happens okay? Iâ€™m really behind in my schoolwork, so you will have to give me tuition or something. And donâ€™t worry when it happens, itâ€™ll be normal from now on.â€� She said all this really fast, and Sunny and Yihui took a while to process it.

â€œDonâ€™t worry when what happens?â€� Sunny asked, puzzled.

Rachel looked at her watch. â€œOkay, itâ€™s nearly time. Like, every day at the time when I got poison-, when whatever it was happened to me, at that time I will like go into a mini-coma or something and Iâ€™ll only wake after half an hour. So donâ€™t worry, okay? Anyway all the teachers know about it as well,â€� she rattled on, seemingly oblivious to Sunnyâ€™s bewildered stare. She took a sip of water, then laid her head on the table.

â€œWhat? Youâ€™ll only wake after how long? Rachel? Rachel!â€� Sunny exclaimed, prodding the prone figure of her friend. But it was no use. Rachel was already fast asleep.

----------

They found the two of them, bruised, battered and very much burnt. Interwiz officers had, after much searching, finally found Monsieur Minellus Molekiw and Mademoiselle Ee Tee. After holding negotiations with the tribesmen, who relented and took them off the fire, and hence, the menu, the two Singaporeans were finally free, though both were unconscious.

â€œTheyâ€™re in really bad shape,â€� one Interwiz official said.

â€œTheir bodies still arenâ€™t really put back together after the splinching, their feet are all tender and red, theyâ€™re dehydrated, and thatâ€™s not to mention the second-degree burns,â€� another replied, shaking his head. â€œBut look at that! In a coma and his mole is still twitching.â€�

Chapter XIX

2004-11-22T22:23:00.000+08:00

Chapter XIX

â€œEh, timetables!â€� Barnabas shouted to the other Griffindoor fifth-years as they trooped down for breakfast.

Muthu raised an eyebrow. â€œAgain?â€�

â€œIt includes Muggle Studies,â€� Matt said absent-mindedly, as he took a bite of toast.

â€œYou psychic or something?â€� Hu Ping said. â€œOh hey, we have like two whole periods free after Arithmancy!â€�

The others glared at him.

â€œWhat?! It's not my fault we didn't sign up for the lesson, right?â€�

Barnabas sighed and pursed his lips. He looked remarkably like a grandmother.

â€œWhat dâ€™you think the new professorâ€™s like?â€� Muthu ruminated as he chewed his cereal slowly.

â€œWhatâ€™s her name again? Wanee? Sounds kinda stupid,â€� Eunice said.

At this Minyu started repeating â€œWaneeâ€� in a very cartoon voice. Everyone stared at her. She looked down pitifully at her shoes.

â€œWell, she looks quite nice,â€� Cheryl piped up brightly.

Barnabas looked up. â€œLooks can be deceiving,â€� he said darkly.

----------

â€œYou donâ€™t need to worry, class, itâ€™s all in your textbook,â€� Professor Wanee said for about the thirtieth time, only halfway through the Griffindoorsâ€™ first Muggle Studies lesson. Most of the class was either feverishly flipping through their textbooks, but the rest were just asleep. Professor Wanee didnâ€™t notice, really.

â€œOf course, you all know about Muggle maps, Iâ€™m sure,â€� Professor Wanee said carelessly. â€œI am going to give out some maps â€“ you all will have to share. You will try the exercises on page 15 of your textbook. The exercises may look difficult, but everything you need to know-â€œ

â€œ... is all in your textbook,â€� Muthu murmured.

â€œYes, thank you for completing my sentence,â€� Professor Wanee said with a withering glare.

Muthu inhaled deeply, but that didnâ€™t prevent him from practically throwing the maps he was supposed to pass behind.

The professor turned around instantly, incensed. â€œMuthu! Donâ€™t you know how disrespectful throwing the maps is? Now, say sorry to the maps.â€�

Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. Cheryl giggled. Muthu hesitated.

â€œSay sorry to the maps!â€�

Muthu sighed, and picked up a map. Dusting it elaborately, he patted it and said â€œSorry, map,â€� while rolling his eyes. Everyone noticed but the professor. Minyu suppressed a snort.

â€œNow thatâ€™s much better,â€� Professor Wanee said sagely. â€œClass, the school has spent a lot of money on these maps, and we should treasure them.â€�

Everyone nodded sagely in acknowledgement, but Barnabas said under his breath, â€œThe school should spend more money and get better teachers, too.â€�

Minyu snorted again.

â€œClass, I expect all of you to be responsible for your files. Although I will periodically go through the filing with you, I still expect all of you to keep your files ordered and neat, all the time. I think we will need more reinforcement rings, so letâ€™s buy that as a class, okay? Now, everyone, put 10 cents on your table, and Minyu will go round to collect it. I must have you understand that I will not provide the rings for you, because that is not my responsibility.â€�

â€œSuch a cheapskate!â€� Muthu muttered, but it was still audible.

Professor Wanee stared coldly at him. â€œDonâ€™t think I didnâ€™t hear that,â€� she said, her demeanour as warm as ice. â€œIf you donâ€™t want to pay, thatâ€™s your problem.â€�

At that moment the bell rang. After Professor Wanee had walked out, with another cursory glance at Muthu, the Griffindoors gathered round. It was clear who had been asleep during the lesson â€“ Yi Fan had a stupid, just-awake expression on his face, and his hair was tousled. Eunice clucked in disapproval, before saying, â€œWell... sheâ€™s not that bad, is she?â€�

â€œSuch a horrible woman!â€� Muthu said loudly.

â€œSorry, map,â€� Barnabas said sarcastically. â€œShe has no idea how to teach properly!â€�

â€œShe might as well read the textbook to us,â€� Minyu added contemptuously.

â€œWell, sheâ€™s still quite a nice person, I guess,â€� Cheryl said, feeling that this tirade against a new teacher was quite uncalled for. Eunice nodded in agreement.

â€œBut how am I going to get an O.W.L for Muggle Studies like this?!â€� Barnabas wailed.

----------

No sooner had the fifth-years gone out of the classroom when Sunny and Yihui ran up, panting.

â€œWhatâ€™s up?â€� Minyu asked, slightly alarmed by their frantic behaviour.

â€œRachel... sheâ€™s... back!â€� Sunny panted, as she tried to catch her breath.

They all rushed down to the Entrance Hall. Seeing the familiar figure of Rachel standing there, looking up at them, Sunny and Yihui were both so happy that they practically pounced on her, hugging, screaming and generally making a lot of noise. There were smiles all around, and the Griffindoors were just about to cheer for Rachelâ€™s return when who should they see but Desmond, coming down the staircase.

Noticing that everyone had suddenly gone quiet, Rachel followed the direction of her friendsâ€™ gazes and saw him - he turned, and looked at her. Their eyes met, but neither could bring themselves to say what they wanted to say, what they couldnâ€™t say now. He brooded on the staircase for a moment, before turning back and walking in the direction he had come from, his head down.

â€œHe still wonâ€™t admit it,â€� Yihui said quietly, but the anger was apparent.

â€œI... it couldnâ€™t have been him! I...â€� Rachel tried to bring herself to say something to defend him, but she was cut off.

â€œYou can remember what happened?â€� Sunny asked eagerly.

Rachel sighed, and shook her head. â€œNot at all. The last thing I remember was â€“ I donâ€™t even remember anything about that day. All I know was what one of the nurses told me, which wasnâ€™t much. But... but it canâ€™t have been him. I know it!â€�

Sunny and Yihui looked rather reluctant. â€œBut... you canâ€™t remember!â€� Hu Ping said.

Rachel fell silent. She turned away.

â€œErm... well, itâ€™s nearly time for lunch,â€� Cheryl said brightly, trying to break the ice.

â€œOooh yes, letâ€™s go! Iâ€™m hungry,â€� Barnabas said, streaking off in the direction of the Great Hall.

â€œWell, I see Barneyâ€™s still the same,â€� Rachel smiled wanly, laughing. But it was a forced laugh, and she knew it.

----------

Mr. Kiw and Ms. Ee were suffering from hunger, sunburn, and incessant tickling from the cacti beneath their feet when all of a sudden, the tickling stopped, and Kiw saw the cacti shrinking back into the sand. He was about to give a triumphant laugh, when he saw someone â€“ some people! in the distance.

But it appeared they had also seen him (or rather, what was left of him), for they were now making a beeline for him and Ms. Ee.

â€œMs. Ee! Weâ€™re saved! Weâ€™re â€“â€œ

But he could never finish uttering his exclamation of joy, for at that very moment he saw the faces of their â€œrescuersâ€�. They were tribesmen, and very crude ones at that. They were all dressed in similar brown cloaks, but they were all carrying metre-long spears. Their eyes were bloodshot. And they looked rather hostile.

Kiw stared, terrified, as their leader, a great hulking creature, went round what was left of him, and broke out into hysterical laughter. He spoke to his companions, and they too laughed, jeering at the two of them stuck in the middle of nowhere. Of course, Kiw didnâ€™t understand their language because it seemed to consist of primitive grunts and hoots and suspicious-sounding oinks, but he understood the body language. He whimpered piteously.

At this the leader took out a gnarled, foot-long stick from his cloak. Mr. Kiw stared. Was that...?

The tribesman just waved the stick and muttered something. A moment later, Mr. Kiw and Ms. Ee found themselves whole again, standing in the middle of the Sahara Desert. They had just finished admiring their whole bodies when a collective grunt from the tribesmen brought them back down, sharply, to earth.

Kiw was just about to bring up the idea of Apparating again when the tribesmen began to point to his mole most ferociously, practically jabbing their fingers at his face. They were also making a racket as they communicated with each other using a series of loud, repulsive oinks and even moos.

After a while they fell silent. Kiw and Ee, stupid as they were, simply bypassed the chance to Apparate, because the leader of the other group simply took out his stick â€“ no, wand â€“ and waved it in front of their faces.

The last thing Kiw saw was the golden sand, almost burning in the darkness that enveloped him, slowly, till he saw no more.

----------

He felt the heat reaching his ankles, and going up his legs â€“ tortuously, he opened his eyes, to see a whole group of tribesmen staring up at him. Up â€“ because he was tied to a wooden pole. He struggled with his bonds, but soon gave up, exhausted. To his left, Ms. Ee was waking up too, groaning.

The heat was nearly at his knees now, burning. He looked down.

The orange flames were dancing higher, as the tribesmen awaited their dinner.

Chapter XVIII

2004-10-19T15:52:00.000+08:00

Chapter XVIII

Ms. Ee closed her left eye to concentrate ruefully on the desert in front of her. There was nothing at all. Just a wide golden expanse of sand, sand... and more sand.

She sighed, closing her right eye and opening her left to look at Hogwarts in Singapore. It took a few moments for her to adjust, but even then, her field of vision seemed to be smaller. The lights of the castle were suddenly much dimmer than before. There was something over her eye.

She used her left arm (which mercifully was in Singapore) and grasped the thing that was over her eye. It was cold. And rather squishy.

A sudden rush of foreboding swept through her body, but at that precise moment, she looked down to see what was now stuck on her palm.

She gulped.

A lizard lay on her palm, perfectly still. The pads on its feet were soft and sticky. Stuck onto her palm, in fact. She looked down at it, eyes travelling up and down the yellowish, slightly pulsating body. Its bloodshot eyes stared protuberantly up at her.

The contents of the last lunch she had raced up her throat, but she couldnâ€™t vomit.

Her mouth was in the Sahara Desert.

----------

There was something bright and twinkling high above her. She tried to reach out for it but her arms were too heavy. It came closer, closer, and as it came closer she could see that it was made up of more than one light, all twinkling and swaying. It was getting brighter â€“ unbearably bright â€“

Rachel opened her eyes and blinked a few times. The candles directly above her were being tossed about in the cool night breeze that flowed in from the open window to her right.

She sat up, quietly wondering where she was, but there were still stars in her eyes.

She shook her head vigorously. The stars cleared, but she had to blink a few more times. The room she was in was bright pink. Hot pink. She liked muted pink, but this was... too much.

She looked around in distaste. Apparently whoever had put her in here didnâ€™t know her colour preferences very well. Looking at her bedside table on her left, she saw a whole stack of get-well cards, all in muted shades of pink. She smiled. Her friends knew her better.

So she was in hospital. St. Mangoâ€™s, by the looks of it. But why was she here? She strained her mind to go back to her last shreds of lucidity before she blacked out. She remembered being in the Great Hall, she remembered talking to Desmond, she remembered him pouring a glass of water for her â€“

A wave of extreme tiredness swept over her suddenly. Even before her world turned black, she had already fallen into a deep sleep. While sitting up.

----------

Cheryl clutched her â€“new- broomstick tightly as she walked into Hogwarts. Her friends followed behind her, almost as if she was a superstar and they, her entourage. People turned round, pointing and whispering among themselves, speculating about the long, thin package she was holding.

â€œHey Cheryl, is that a Nimbus 2003?â€� Jeremy called out.

She nodded.

The looks of awe on the faces of those in the room were priceless.

â€œNew?â€� Denise said, her mouth open.

Cheryl grinned.

The awe in the Hall suddenly increased tenfold, almost bordering on reverence.

As the Griffindoors marched into the Great Hall for the feast, the crowd actually parted for them to enter. Cheryl felt as if she had just been crowned Queen of the Universe.

The Griffindoors reached their table, and sat down.

â€œJust unwrap your broom and put it in the centre, here,â€� Muthu said, a grin on his face. â€œItâ€™s like, the newest broom available here! No wonder theyâ€™re all gawking,â€� he continued, smirking.

The other Griffindoors all nodded fervently. They laid the broom on the centre of the table, and simply basked in the glory of having one of the best brooms available in Singapore.

â€œHow did you get it?â€� Yvonne asked as she walked past to the Huffelpuff table. â€œIt costs a fortune!â€�

â€œWith sharing and good bargaining skills, anything is possible,â€� said Minyu, who was the one who had bargained with the owner of Quality Quidditch Supplies till he had almost been reduced to tears.

Just as a small crowd gathered round the table, ooh-ing and aah-ing at the Nimbus, a few loud snorts that punctuated the atmosphere of utmost reverence announced the arrival of the Slitherings.

â€œAre you sure thatâ€™s real?â€� Liqin said, a curious look on her face.

â€œIf it isnâ€™t, youâ€™re not a bimbo,â€� Matt said, sighing. He was usually the most frustrated with girls who had no brains whatsoever.

â€œWell, Iâ€™m not sure you can hang onto that broom, it might be too fast for you,â€� Yee Tien sneered at Cheryl.

Muthu imitated Yee Tienâ€™s comment with perfect comic sarcasm. The crowd gathered round erupted into hoots of laughter.

â€œWell, never mind boys, our order has already been sent in,â€� Zhuâ€™en, who had kept quiet all this while, said finally. My father has been just aching to use some of that large fortune he has, I tell you. And of course, once we get them, weâ€™ll be much better than anyone else here.â€�

The Slitherings all grinned stupidly, except for Yee Tien who waved impetuously to the Griffindoors and said, â€œWell, children, enjoy your glory while you can. We wonâ€™t spoil your fun. For now.â€� With a nasty smile, she stalked off with the rest of her slimy friends.

This time Eunice imitated her speech. The table shook with laughter. Yvonne and Denise were doubled over in giggles.

â€œEveryone, please settle down,â€� Professor Smurf bellowed from the staff table. Even from this distance Cheryl could see his eyes were twinkling, and he was looking directly at her. She returned the gesture with a small smile.

The Ravingclaws and Huffelpuffs scattered and went back to their own tables. The noise did not settle, though. The Griffindoors were still making a racket. The source of this Cheryl traced to Sunny, who had just read something a pigeon had sent her at the school gates.

â€œHey guys!â€� Yihui shouted jubilantly over all the noise the rest of the school was making. â€œRachelâ€™s awake!â€�

----------

â€œMs. Ee! Are you alright?â€� Kiw enquired. He could only see what was happening in the Sahara Desert, but what he saw didnâ€™t seem too good. His assistantâ€™s face was slightly green, and there was a dribble of yellowish liquid at one corner of her mouth.

â€œMs. Ee? Ms. Ee! OW â€“â€œ

There was a sharp pain on the soles of his feet.

Kiw looked down and saw the weirdest thing. The sand beneath his feet had parted and there were now two cacti directly beneath them. The cacti looked ordinary â€“ except that each had two long green tendrils snaking out from either side of it. They were, of course, covered in tiny little spines, which explained the sharp pain.

However, the reason Kiw had been able to feel the pain was because the cacti had, using their tendrils, taken off his shoes.

Kiw flashed back to an article he had read recently in The Dummyâ€™s Guide to Herbology, in the section Domesticated Plants:

â€œThe Tickling Cactus was originally from the Mexican desert. Over time, people domesticated it and trained it to tickle its ownersâ€™ feet using the two long tendrils that are found only on this species of cactus. Now, these cacti can be found in deserts all over the world.â€�

Unfortunately for Kiw, he was positively terrified of tickles.

----------

â€œNow that we are all watered and fed,â€� Professor Smurf said, â€œI would like to introduce a new addition to the staff.â€�

There was a loud groan. Professor Smurf flashed a smile. Even the teachers hid grins.

â€œI assure you this lady is not like the two most recent additions we have had,â€� Professor Smurf continued. â€œHowever by introducing her I hope to address one of the more pertinent problems in this school. One of grades. I am sad to say,â€� and here he sighed and looked dolefully at the students, â€œthat Year Seven grades have been slipping, year after year. Not to mention Year Five results. Although I do not wish to stress all of you, I must emphasise the importance of your O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts. They will affect your future careers greatly. To address this problem, the Ministry has decided to add a new subject to the school curriculum â€“ Muggle Studies.â€�

He paused, and took a deep breath, before ploughing on. â€œThis subject is only available from fifth year onwards. We know that living in Singapore is already an exercise in Muggle Studies, and most of you already know everything about Muggles, but we hope that you will approach this course from a wizarding point of view. Those who wish to sign up must indicate so on their House noticeboards, latest by tonight. Classes start tomorrow morning.â€�

â€œWhich of course leads me to introduce our new Muggle Studies teacher. Everyone, please welcome Professor Wanee.â€�

Professor Wanee was rather tall and slim. She gave a friendly wave and a small smile as a form of accepting the applause that greeted her.

They filed out of the Hall, Cheryl carefully picking up her broom.

â€œYou all want to go for the class?â€� she asked the other fifth-years around her.

They all nodded enthusiastically except for Hu Ping and Matt who looked at each other then shook their heads.

Muthu rolled his eyes. â€œWell, of course, you all already have good enough grades. Hmm, actually I have good enough grades, donâ€™t I?â€� he said thoughtfully.

â€œOh your grades are so good Muthu,â€� Barnabas said sarcastically.

The two of them started bickering.

Eunice rolled her eyes. â€œWell, at least we finally have a subject weâ€™ll probably be good in,â€� she said cheerfully.

----------

She missed him, and wondered where he was. She hadnâ€™t seen him at all the last day of school, and not today either, at the staff table. She missed his crinkled eyes, his thin smile, his mole... well, maybe not the mole.

She looked up. The sky was filled with stars, twinkling softly. The Milky Way was splashed onto the night sky like paint on canvas. Just then she saw a shooting star, a dim orange light in the distance, falling to earth.

I wish, I wish upon a star...

She so wanted to see him again.

Chapter XVII

2004-09-14T18:06:00.000+08:00

Chapter XVII

â€œUm... Minellus?â€� Ms. Ee called out, but she remembered suddenly that she couldnâ€™t talk because her throat wasnâ€™t connected to her head.

â€œRight, Ms. Ee! Can you reach for your wand?â€�

Ms. Ee shook her head. Unfortunately, her wand had fallen out of her pocket when her Apparition failed. Kiw had also suffered the same fate.

It might have been more than shocking to see a couple of eyes, a few legs and two arms in the middle of Sahara Desert, but there was no one to see it. There was no one to help them.

They were doomed.

Which might have been pretty good for the students, actually.

----------

It was the last day of the holidays, and all the Griffindoors were at Mattâ€™s house â€“ as was their normal practice. In previous years, these visits would have been bright, cheerful, and noisy. However, there was something missing this year. Perhaps it was the noise.

They were all bent over their essays, hurriedly scribbling, dipping their quills into their ink bottles furiously, brows furrowed in concentration. All of them, that is, except for Sunny and Yihui, who were fourth-years and had nothing much to do, and Matt and Hu Ping, who had finished all of their homework earlier on as usual. The four of them resorted to taking turns at playing the piano, which, though seemingly innocuous, could turn vicious and attack the player in various ways if it was mistreated.

â€œAhhh... help me, please,â€� Hu Ping pleaded with the other three as he tried, without succeeding, to pry his fingers from the piano keys, which had suddenly grown very sticky after he had played a few discordant chords on them.

In between snorts of laughter, Sunny and Matt pulled Hu Ping back, and with a resounding â€˜popâ€™, his fingers were unstuck. He stared at them pitifully.

â€œServes you right for all that noise pollution,â€� Minyu said absent-mindedly, as she pored over her Arithmancy homework.

â€œAs if you could do any better with â€˜Mary Had A Little Lambâ€™,â€� Hu Ping replied sarcastically. Minyu was silenced.

â€œYou know what,â€� Muthu said as he slammed his quill down onto the table, â€œI donâ€™t care. Iâ€™m just not gonna hand this in tomorrow.â€�

One by one, they put down their quills with the same hardened look on their faces. After all, they were in the same situation â€“ stuck with a mountain of homework, and still struggling with weekly tests.

It was when she looked up that Cheryl saw a curious-looking parcel on the table. It was long, and looked exactly like â€“

â€œWhose is that?â€� she asked, voice quivering.

Everyone looked up at this point, smiling. Sunny reached out for the package, and turned it over. On the other side of the packaging it read: â€˜Nimbus 2003â€™ in small, neat letters.

â€œWe thought youâ€™d never notice,â€� Muthu said.

Cherylâ€™s heart gave a jolt.

â€œItâ€™s yours!â€�

Chapter XVI

2004-09-12T21:35:00.000+08:00

Chapter XVI

â€œI am so glad the holidays are here,â€� Cheryl said, as she closed her eyes for a moment to blot out the pile of parchment in front of her.

â€œYeah, but we have like, four tests today,â€� Muthu said wearily.

â€œWell, at least we can finally get to see Rachel,â€� Sunny said. After a few days in the schoolâ€™s hospital wing, it appeared that whatever happened to Rachel could not be cured by Madam Lee, and she had to be moved to St. Mangoâ€™s, the wizard hospital.

â€œAnd someone still hasnâ€™t admitted it yet,â€� Yihui snarled, as Desmond walked past. He turned round and looked at Yihui dolefully before slouching off.

They kept quiet. But at the sight of Desmond, Cheryl was sharply reminded â€“ once again â€“ that she didnâ€™t have a broomstick.

â€œWell, câ€™mon, weâ€™re late, and Professor June does not accept latecomers,â€� Matt said impatiently. He was checking his watch every few seconds.

â€œWhatâ€™s the point in me hurrying, anyway,â€� Yi Fan drawled. â€œLike Iâ€™ll pass any of the tests today.â€�

They all stared at him exasperatedly, except for Minyu, who said, â€œWell, if you just tried, youâ€™ll make it.â€�

â€œMaybe...â€�

----------

â€œThat was horrible,â€� Barnabas wailed as they stepped out of their Charms classroom, where they had just finished their second test of the day.

â€œReally? I thought it was quite easy...â€� Yi Fan said thoughtfully.

They all stared at him incredulously.

â€œYou mean you actually knew all that stuff on Summoning and Banishing Charms?â€� Eunice said, surprised.

Yi Fan nodded. They were all impressed.

â€œOh, look what we have here,â€� a sickly-sweet voice said to their left.

Coming down the corridor was a whole group of Slithering fifth-years, smirking, sneering and smiling stupidly.

â€œWe must all be so worried about that Charms test we just had, eh?â€� Yee Tien continued, still in that sickly tone.

â€œYou donâ€™t have enough brains to fill a teaspoon, you know,â€� another voice said. This time it was a whole group of Huffelpuffs coming down the corridor, and at their head was Yvonne.

The Griffindoors snorted. Meanwhile, Yee Tien was looking round. â€œSorry, did someone say something? I didnâ€™t see her...â€�

Yvonneâ€™s face reddened.

â€œWeâ€™re so sorry that youâ€™re so short,â€� Zhuâ€™en said, his voice full of mock pity.

â€œLike youâ€™re very tall,â€� Barnabas said caustically, rolling his eyes.

â€œOoh, I forgot, I can take points from Houses,â€� Yee Tien mentioned casually. â€œSo, erm, I think 25 points from Griffindoor, and 25 from Huffelpuff too â€“ well, thatâ€™ll do. Goodbye, children.â€�

With that she turned and walked off arrogantly. Her bodyguards (i.e. the other Slitherings) slouched off after her.

â€œYou know, I wish we could curse her,â€� Muthu said ruefully.

â€œErm, guys?â€� Matt said.

They looked at him and raised their eyebrows.

â€œWeâ€™re about 10 minutes late for our Transfiguration test,â€� he said slowly.

The corridor was deserted in five seconds.

----------

â€œWell, you canâ€™t say it wasnâ€™t an interesting last day at school,â€� Muthu said dully, as their carriage flew high over the brightly-lit landscape of Singapore at night. They were not staying in school for the March holidays, so it had been a rush to pack their luggage immediately after their fourth test, Arithmancy, had ended. It had been an extremely tiring day, and it was showing. Yi Fan and Hu Ping were already nodding off.

They were quiet for a moment, as black clouds sailed past. Sunny peered out of the window. They were reaching the CBD â€“ their landing point. Sunnyâ€™s thoughts strayed to her warm bed at home, she imagined snuggling under the covers as the air-conditioner hummed above her...

She was sharply brought back to reality by a jolt. She remembered. They were going to visit Rachel.

----------

Tan Tock Seng Hospital might have had every feature of a perfectly normal Muggle hospital â€“ it might be perfectly air-conditioned at the right temperature, with its 16 lifts, its cafeterias serving normal Singaporean fare, its nurses and doctors going round the corridors briskly. However, its high, vaulted ceilings covered one little secret.

Well, maybe not so little.

Sunny, Yihui, Matt and Hu Ping walked into TTSH rather nervously. They had never been here before, but had been informed of the necessary procedure to proceed. They followed the stream of visitors to the lift lobby. At the end of the lobby, beyond the lifts, there was a large panel of glass.

The old man sitting at one of the benches near the lift lobby saw four well-dressed youngsters entering the hospital by themselves, without any adults. Quite surprising. He assumed they must be visiting their injured friend, or relative â€“ though they didnâ€™t look alike in the least. His eyes â€“ sometimes cloudy with age but still sharp â€“ followed them as they made their way to the lifts, right to the end of the lobby, to the large glass panel â€“ and just vanished. He stared, and shook his head. Youngsters nowadays could do the most extraordinary things. Or perhaps it was just his eyes playing tricks on him.

----------

As soon as they had passed through the glass, which had felt rather pleasantly cool, the four Griffindoors found themselves in a wholly different place. There were still high, vaulted ceilings, but this time, they were paneled in a dark, rich wood, which glowed slightly in the light of over a thousand candles floating in mid-air, each with its own black candle-holder. There were strange signs â€“ Runes â€“ engraved on the ceilings, and they were rotating at regular intervals, the sleek black strokes glimmering in the yellow candlelight. The floor too was paneled in rich teak, but in stark contrast to the apparent elegance of St. Mangoâ€™s...

â€œExcuse me, can I get these wings removed please?â€� a stocky wizard in breeches was asking glumly. There were what appeared to be dragon wings growing out from his sides. Smoke was coming out of his nostrils.

The four of them looked round. Hu Ping was slightly amused, Matt was looking around in wonder, Yihui looked more than a bit repulsed, and Sunny was simply surprised.

To their left was a witch dressed in Muggle clothing, including a hat â€“ but poking through the top of the hat was a bunch of daffodils. To their right was an old, wizened wizard who appeared to be having a very bad cold. He kept on sneezing â€“ but to the teenagersâ€™ horror, it was not mucus that was coming out of his nostrils â€“ it was small slugs that were covered in bright green slime. Sunny retched.

â€œErm, letâ€™s go to the information counter, shall we?â€� Matt said slowly, still looking around at all these people with their ailments.

â€œHow do these people even get here without being seen?â€� Hu Ping asked.

â€œWell, I guess you can Apparate,â€� Yihui replied, as a wizard who had bright pink smoke billowing out of his ears, nostrils and mouth appeared suddenly in front of them, â€œor they can use Floo powder,â€� she continued, as a witch who was totally covered in blisters appeared in a fireplace with a puff of green smoke.

â€œHow may I help you?â€� a kind voice asked â€“ it was the person on shift at the Information Counter. Behind him was a large sign saying, â€œWelcome to St. Mangoâ€™s Hospital for Magical Ailmentsâ€� painted in bright orange. Minyu would have loved it.

â€œErm... weâ€™re visiting Rachel Kwan, she was warded a few days back,â€� Sunny said.

The man flipped through an extremely thick file, before he stopped at one page and scrutinized it. â€œAh, Miss Petrified, I see. Well then, second floor, third door on your right,â€� he said with a smile.

â€œThanks,â€� Hu Ping said, and they made their way up a flight of stairs to the second floor. There were still candles, but less of them, illuminating the corridor only dimly.

â€œOne... two... three,â€� Matt counted, and they pushed open the door.

They stared.

â€œWell, at least itâ€™s much more brightly lit,â€� was all Matt could manage after a few seconds.

The room was painted pink. Bright pink. Hot pink.

â€œItâ€™s really too bad Rachel isnâ€™t awake to enjoy it,â€� Sunny said sadly.

â€œWell, even she would be blinded,â€� Hu Ping said in distaste.

They made their way to the bed on the right side of the room. She was lying there, still as death, still stiff. Her eyes were still staring, and her mouth was still slightly open.

â€œOh Rachel,â€� Yihui said sadly, as she held on to Rachelâ€™s hand.

â€œWe miss you,â€� Sunny said quietly.

After a while they realised Rachel couldnâ€™t hear them. It was really quite stupid.

â€œOh well, letâ€™s go then,â€� Matt said impatiently.

They stepped out into the corridor, blinking. It took a while to adjust to the dimness.

â€œHey... hey, you guys, hold up,â€� Hu Ping said from behind.

â€œWhat?â€� the other three chorused.

A peculiar expression had settled on Hu Pingâ€™s face. â€œLook at this,â€� he said, pointing to a sign outside the door after Rachelâ€™s.

It read: â€œPatient: Sivanesan s/o Makesan.â€�

They looked at each other, uncertainly.

Yihui took the initiative and pushed the door open a crack. They spilled into the room.

Professor Siva was sitting up, back ramrod straight, in his bed. He was staring directly ahead of him, into empty space. His hair was tousled, and he looked much older.

â€œProfessor... Professor?â€� Sunny said timidly.

He did not answer.

â€œWell, he finally gets some visitors, I see,â€� someone said from behind, making them jump. It was a plump, kindly Healer. â€œThe poor dear, heâ€™s gone mad. Just mutters all day, or sits up like that.â€�

â€œWhat... why is he like this?â€� Matt asked slowly.

â€œWe donâ€™t know either, but we expect that its due to the fact that he was found in the Sahara Desert just yesterday. Totally dehydrated, nearly dead,â€� she said softly, shaking her head. â€œThe nomads who found him sent him back here, after looking at his ID. Thank goodness they were good, kind wizards, otherwise who knows what might have happened to him.â€�

They were stunned.

â€œHow on earth did he end up in the Sahara Desert?â€� Yihui asked as they walked out of Tan Tock Seng and into one of the taxis lined up. The girls and Hu Ping, who lived in Pasir Ris, would be dropping Matt off at his home in Marine Parade.

â€œWell, I donâ€™t know about that, but whatever it is, Iâ€™m sure it has to do with Kiw,â€� Matt said darkly.

----------

The two of them suddenly found themselves on top of a sand dune, in searing heat.

â€œWhere...?" Miss Ee asked, but the full question never came out, as she gasped, then uttered a scream.

Kiw felt groggy. He didnâ€™t remember how he got here, but he had a vague feeling he had gotten here against his will. But he had to get back.

â€œWhy donâ€™t we just â€“ Apparate,â€� he said, blinking and shaking his head in an attempt to clear the ringing in his ears.

â€œOkay,â€� Miss Ee replied, as she too got to her feet. â€œOne, two, three..."

They closed their eyes and concentrated on getting out of this godforsaken place and back to Singapore. However, both of them could still hear the ringing, though it was fading.

Suddenly both of them opened their eyes. Something was amiss.

Kiw swallowed. He looked down. His shoe was there, but his left leg was missing, as was his right arm. He tried turning to his right â€“ and, horror of horrors â€“ found he could not do so, because his neck was missing.

Miss Ee attempted to scream, but she couldnâ€™t talk as her voice box was somewhere else. She saw the Sahara Desert out of her right eye, but with her left eye â€“ she gulped â€“ she saw the turrets and bright lights of Hogwarts castle in Singapore.

Somehow, halfway between the Sahara and Singapore, something had gone wrong. Half of their bodies had gone to Singapore â€“ the other half had remained, firmly, in some remote corner of Africa.

They had gone and splinched themselves.

Chapter XV

2004-09-05T21:42:00.000+08:00

Chapter XV

Sunnyâ€™s scream of horror never came out. She could only stare miserably as she collapsed onto a bench, shaking. Yihui quickly sat down beside her and put an arm around her, though she too was visibly shaken. Yifang and Ngan Ching could only stare blankly at Rachelâ€™s prone figure, mouths open wide.

At this moment there was a flurry of activity at the entrance to the Hall. Professor Smurf, in his long black cloak, strode over to Rachel, followed closely by Madam Lee, the school nurse. Rushing in after them was a whole crowd of fifth-years from different Houses.

Cheryl clapped a hand over her mouth. Many of the girls were shrieking. Sunny and Yihui were nearly reduced to tears as they held each other tightly.

â€œIs she...?â€� Sunny asked chokingly.

â€œNo, thank goodness,â€� said Madam Lee, a note of relief in her voice. Perspiration was dripping off her forehead as she bent over Rachel, checking her vital signs.

As soon as the words escaped her lips, everyone started breathing more normally again.

â€œWell... whyâ€™s she all... stiff?â€� Matt enquired hesitantly.

â€œIs she... Petrified, Lily?â€� Professor Smurf asked the nurse as he peered at Rachel through his glasses.

â€œWell, Iâ€™m not sure,â€� Madam Lee said distractedly, â€œshe looks, well, Stunned â€“ I donâ€™t know, itâ€™s quite odd,â€� she said, shaking her head. â€œWell, weâ€™d better get her off to the hospital wing. Move, please,â€� she told the students in a commanding tone. Obediently, everyone cleared a pathway for her.

She whipped out her wand, pointed it at Rachel and muttered, â€œMobilicorpus.â€� Instantly, Rachel rose up two feet into the air, almost as if there was a stretcher beneath her. Madam Lee turned on her heels and strode out of the Hall, still keeping her wand pointed at Rachel, who floated out after her.

There was a long silence after she had gone. Professor Smurf broke it by saying quietly, â€œAll students, back to your Houses please. I do not know who did this, but whoever it is, I am giving you time to come to me yourself and confess. If not... we will see,â€� he said grimly.

They trooped out of the Hall, silent. There was nothing they could say.

They had just entered the common room when Yihui suddenly turned round and faced Desmond. â€œWhy did you do it?â€�

Desmond looked at her in surprise. â€œBut... but... I didnâ€™t do it!â€� he stuttered in the face of Yihuiâ€™s wrath.

â€œOh right! Chasing after her when she left the toilet! Being right beside her when she... when she...â€�

â€œI didnâ€™t do it!â€� he denied once again.

â€œLiar,â€� Yihui said snidely.

â€œLook, I didnâ€™t do it, okay! Why would I want to do something like this to her?â€�

â€œSo that once you finished her off, we wouldnâ€™t tease you about her, maybe?â€� Yihui shouted.

At this moment Desmond snapped.

â€œWHY THE HELL WOULD I TRY AND KILL HER? JUST SO SHE WOULDNâ€™T BE AROUND AND YOU WOULDNâ€™T TEASE ME ABOUT HER? WHAT CRAP IS THAT â€“â€œ

â€œSHUT UP! YOU LIAR... YOU...â€�

â€œStop it! STOP IT, BOTH OF YOU!â€� someone shouted piercingly, as Sunny pulled Yihui back and Hu Ping restrained Desmond.

Everyone looked around for the mediator. It turned out to be Lydia Lim, a sixth-year. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes flashed threateningly - apparently she could be fierce if she wanted to, because usually she was quite docile.

â€œLook,â€� she said more quietly, her voice already sounding a bit hoarse, â€œwhy on earth would he want to kill her or harm her in any way? Theyâ€™re in the same House, and besides, she hasnâ€™t done anything to him before.â€�

â€œBut â€“â€œ Yihui was cut off by Lydia, who waved a hand impatiently.

â€œAnd besides, I was there, and he didnâ€™t curse her, or perform any magic at all,â€� Lydia said, glancing at Desmond.

Yihui kept silent. But the tension was still in the air. They all stood there, not looking at each other.

â€œSo can we all just be reconciled please?â€� Lydia asked smoothly.

Just at that moment, someone shouted behind them, â€œHey guys, the foodâ€™s here!â€�

â€œLetâ€™s go,â€� Yihui said suddenly, forcefully taking Sunnyâ€™s arm by the wrist and leading her away.

They were silent once again. Desmond gazed at Yihuiâ€™s back ruefully.

â€œSheâ€™ll get over it,â€� Cheryl said quietly.

â€œIt really wasnâ€™t me! All I did was just pour her some water, and then, and then â€“â€œ Desmond said desperately. The fifth-years were still giving him doubtful looks.

â€œItâ€™s alright,â€� Lydia said shortly. â€œNo point crying over spilt milk. So, dinner, anyone?â€� she continued brightly.

They nodded, and soon drifted off in pairs and threes, leaving Desmond standing there, alone.

----------

â€œYou know, we really need to get rid of him,â€� Professor Helmi said softly to the group of teachers gathered round him.

â€œYes! When poor Rachel just got Petrified, he didnâ€™t even go and see her â€“ he didnâ€™t even care!â€� Professor June fumed.

â€œAnd he thought that me and Helmi were having an intimate relationship, and he actually threatened us with curses because he thought we were giving a bad example to the students!â€� Professor Huda said angrily.

Everyone save Professor Helmi stared at her.

â€œYou mean you werenâ€™t?â€� Mr. Teo said closely.

Professors Helmi and Huda made throaty, angry noises. Mr. Teo gave them a cheeky smile in return. He was just -so- cute.

â€œWell, and Iâ€™m sure he did something to Professor Siva to make him disappear, too,â€� Professor Kailini said, frowning, an orange-and-yellow scarf tied round her head like a turban.

â€œWouldnâ€™t you be able to see that with your third eye, Kailini?â€� Professor June said jokingly.

â€œOh what rubbish,â€� Professor Kailini retorted, adjusting the scarf around her head and making it look even uglier. â€œYou know Iâ€™m just in this for the money.â€�

All the teachers smiled sad smiles and shook their heads. Professor Kailini ignored them.

â€œSo... are we sure we want to get rid of him?â€� Mr. Teo asked.

Everyone nodded. Hesitantly.

â€œWell then,â€� Mr. Teo said, in a much more businesslike tone, â€œweâ€™d have to get rid of Ms. Ee as well. Whatever theyâ€™re doing, Iâ€™m sure theyâ€™re in it together, and besides, we might as well kill two birds with one stone... any ideas on how we do it?â€�

After a minute of mulling over the question, Professor Huda piped up, â€œYou know, people, thereâ€™s a Vanishing Cabinet on the third floor, just outside the Charms classroom...â€�

They nodded, slowly, in unison, as the smiles grew obscenely wide on their faces...

----------

Cheryl and her group of friends were all sitting morosely around their study table, half-heartedly revising on Befuddlement Draughts (Barnabas had started calling them â€œBefuddling Draughtsâ€�), but their thoughts still dwelled on Rachel â€“ the stiff body, the glassy eyesâ€¦

â€œUm... hey,â€� a voice said to their left.

Cherylâ€™s blood turned cold. It was Desmond.

â€œI just wanted to tell you... our first match is in one monthâ€™s time. April 10th. Against Slithering. We might have training sessions before that... but anyway, Cheryl, you need to get a broom... yeah, thatâ€™s it... bye...â€� he slumped off, looking dejected.

â€œWeâ€™d forgotten about that,â€� Matt said quietly.

â€œWell, he chose such a wonderful time to bring it up, didnâ€™t he,â€� Hu Ping said sarcastically.

Cheryl kept silent. She now had yet another thing to worry about.

----------

â€œMinellus, I cannot tell you how grateful we are for this,â€� Professor June said in an ingratiating tone.

â€œYes, I do think this boggart is positively terrifying the younger students when they want to enter my classroom,â€� Mr. Teo added.

â€œActually weâ€™re not sure if itâ€™s a boggart, itâ€™s quite... quiet sometimes,â€� Professor Huda said.

â€œOh, and thanks so much too, Ms. Ee, for helping,â€� Professor Helmi gestured.

Kiw and E.T nodded. They looked grim.

â€œWe thought it would be a Dark creature, so we asked you, as thatâ€™s also your area of expertise apart from Potions,â€� Professor Kailini said smoothly.

They all stopped outside the Charms classroom. There was a large cupboard next to the classroom door. Kiw approached it warily. For some reason, Ms. Ee was whimpering.

â€œWell, go on... unlock it,â€� Mr. Teo whispered.

Kiw swallowed. There were rivers of sweat flowing down his forehead and onto his nose. Professor Huda blanched at the sight.

â€œAlohomora!,â€� Kiw said in a barely-audible voice.

The door swung open to reveal...

â€œThereâ€™s nothing inside!â€� Kiw snapped.

â€œThere will be,â€� Mr. Teo said, smiling.

At that moment all 6 teachers pressed forward. Kiw and Ms. Ee could not resist â€“ they were pushed into the innermost depths of the cupboard, with much screaming and cursing and gnashing of teeth. Once they were inside, Mr. Teo slammed the cupboard door right in their faces.

There was a moment of silence as the six teachers surveyed their handiwork.

â€œDo any of you know where this goes?â€� Professor Huda said curiously.

The others shook their heads happily.

As they walked away from the cupboard towards the staff room, Professor June said, â€œYou know, I think we should all get School Service Awards for doing what we just did.â€�

â€œAnd a raise,â€� Professor Kailini said thoughtfully.

â€œMaybe we should all get fake moles,â€� Professor Helmi said cheerfully.

They all considered this for a moment.

â€œNah, the raise is better,â€� Mr. Teo replied.

They chuckled and walked on, as the cupboard behind them emitted a loud burp.

Chapter XIV

2004-08-29T17:56:00.000+08:00

Chaptr XIV

Sunny, Rachel and Yihui were walking down the corridor to their History of Magic classroom when all of a sudden, Rachel squealed. Three people had just appeared at the end of the corridor. In front was the Kiw, wearing his usual starched white shirt and black pants, the mole and the seven hairs on it more prominent than ever. Kind of like Confucius with a mole, Sunny thought. Next to him was Ms Ee, looking particularly green. And behind â€“ Rachel smiled. It was Desmond.

Unfortunately for Rachel and the other two, Kiw reached them first.

â€œShirts, mâ€™dears,â€� Kiw said, his mole twitching unpleasantly.

They looked down, and obediently tucked in their shirts. Or at least they pretended to.

â€œAnd your skirts seem extra-short today,â€� Ms Ee said (or was it croaked?)

Kiw took out his wand. The three girls eyed it apprehensively.

He raised it and gave it a flick. The next moment, he smirked, and stalked off with Ms Ee beside him.

The girls felt their skirts were that much heavier. The goggling look Desmond was giving them didnâ€™t help either.

Slowly, as if the slightest movement might cause a disaster, they looked down. They swallowed. All their skirts had been lengthened â€“ magically â€“ so that they now reached the floor. Rachelâ€™s even had a train behind it, almost like a wedding gown.

Silence.

Then the screams came, piercing, shrill, filled with rage.

â€œCalm down â€“ calm DOWN!â€� A few people roared at the same time. The fifth-years had arrived at the scene of the heinous crime, and they too stared at the three girls.

â€œAre those... frills?â€� Muthu said.

â€œLooks kinda... Shakespearean, doesnâ€™t it,â€� Matt said thoughtfully.

â€œOh shut up,â€� Rachel retorted angrily. â€œAnyone knows how to mend this?â€�

Matt and Hu Ping whispered to each other for a moment. Then they walked forward. Both performed Kiwâ€™s flick, except that this time, it was in the other direction. Immediately, Sunny and Yihui felt their skirts feel much lighter.

â€œThanks!â€� Both of them chorused.

Rachel was stunned. â€œWhat about me?â€� she said babyishly.

â€œWe thought youâ€™d like to enjoy this moment with Desmond,â€� Matt said solemnly.

â€œHave fun planning for the wedding when you all grow up,â€� Hu Ping added.

â€œRemember to invite us!â€� Muthu chipped in brightly.

â€œOh, and remember to get a big wedding cake,â€� Barnabas said with a hungry look.

Desmond and Rachel glared.

â€œOh, oh, alright,â€� Hu Ping sulked. Lazily, he raised his wand and flicked it. In an instant Rachelâ€™s skirt was back to its original length. She continued glaring. Hu Ping pretended not to see.

â€œWell, anyway, why were you behind Kiw?â€� Sunny directed this to Desmond.

â€œHe said my hair was too long,â€� Desmond replied.

They turned, and burst into laughter. The smoke still could be seen around the edges of his frayed hair.

----------

â€œStop teasing me about him, okay!â€� Rachel said angrily as she slammed her History of Magic textbook down on her table. Sunny and Yihui looked at each other, then nodded timidly. Rachel could be horrible when in a bad mood.

â€œHey! Whatâ€™s up?â€� a chirpy voice said beside them. Xu Yifang stood there, the perfect model of a perfect student â€“ shirt tucked in, skirt below the knees, hair tied back neatly with the conservative black pins. Her shoes were (still) white, and her socks went up far above the ankle. Of course, she was a Prefect. And a Ravingclaw, this being a combined lesson.

â€œSomething happened between you and Desmond, perhaps?â€� yet another chirpy voice said. This time it was Wan Ngan Ching, fair skin contrasting with slightly (unlawfully dyed) brown, frizzy hair, twinkling eyes peeping out from behind a pair of spectacles.

Sunny attempted to stop Ngan Ching in mid-sentence by waving frantically and mouthing â€œNo! No!â€� but unfortunately her friend didnâ€™t get the idea. Rachel got up, glared at them all once again, and stomped off in the direction of the girlsâ€™ toilet.

Ngan Ching and Yifang raised their eyebrows. â€œIt really was something between her and Desmond?â€� Ngan Ching said, concerned.

Yifang tsk-ed behind her, and said, â€œI think we should stop teasing her, you know. After all, itâ€™s not true. As if anyone would dare to have a relationship in this school,â€� she muttered under her breath.

They smiled. Obviously, the Kiw had banned all romantic relationships between students. However, there were always those who went undercover and resorted to more â€“ covert â€“ ways of continuing their romance.

â€œWell, anyway, I guess we better go find her,â€� Sunny said.

Just as they got up to leave, Professor Lulu came in.

â€œAnd just where do you think youâ€™re going?â€� she said grouchily.

â€œUm... we need to go to the toilet,â€� Yihui lied innocently.

They then had to endure about five minutes of lecturing, in which they were told over and over again in various ways about how rude they were to go to the toilet just after a teacher came into the room. Professor Lulu was rather long-winded, you see.

When she finally finished her mini lecture, the girls took off. The girlsâ€™ toilets were a long way off, so they took their time.

â€œAnyway,â€� Ngan Ching remarked, â€œitâ€™s such a rare opportunity! We get to miss like, one entire History of Magic lesson!â€�

At this Yifang frowned slightly and looked as if she was going to say something to defend Professor Lulu, but apparently she decided not to do so, judging by the way she bit her lip. She contented herself with keeping quiet.

They were going down a deserted corridor, with unused classrooms on both sides. It was said that those rooms were haunted by evil spirits â€“ because some students had actually hanged themselves inside.

So it came as no surprise when all of a sudden, Ngan Chingâ€™s face turned whiter than it already was. She was rooted outside one classroom.

â€œI think... I hear ghosts talking,â€� she said softly.

The other three whipped round. They tiptoed their way to the classroom door, which was closed. Indeed, they could hear people talking. But they werenâ€™t ghosts, they were â€“

â€œNgan Ching, you stupid woman,â€� Yihui said caustically, "itâ€™s Kiw! And E.T!â€�

â€œShut up!â€� Sunny hissed. They fell quiet.

Sunny strained to hear them through the thick wooden door, but could only hear snatches of conversation.

â€œ... we have to get them out of this school,â€� the fruity voice of Kiw said. â€œI will not tolerate them. They are the scum of the earth...â€�

At this Ms. Ee croaked something unintelligible. Sunny paused. She considered opening the door just a crack to hear better, but decided against it. When she pressed her ear to the door, it was Kiw speaking again.

â€œ... you will observe them, and find any reason to kick them out of this school. If not, make them hate the school so much they run away. Some I will settle myself. Starting tonight, we will rid this school of them. Only the pure will remain.â€�

Sunny tore herself away from the door, heart palpitating, hair standing on end, shivering. The rest stared at her concernedly.

â€œWhat did he say?â€� Yifang asked, unaware of Sunnyâ€™s violent reaction to what Kiw had just said.

Sunny swallowed. She had to keep calm. She was not really sure what Kiw meant anyway. But she was afraid. Very afraid.

â€œNothing,â€� she shrugged. It was a lie.

â€œCâ€™mon then, letâ€™s go find Rachel,â€� Ngan Ching said cheerfully.

As they turned their backs to the classroom door, Sunny felt a tremor of fear, deep down inside.

----------

They reached the girlsâ€™ toilet, and found it empty, except for â€“

â€œHey,â€� Tan Sihan said, looking at them, bleary-eyed. The fourth-year Huffelpuffâ€™s eyes were bleary, and her hair was tousled. Apparently she had fallen asleep during a class and had been sent here to wake herself up.

â€œHi,â€� they chorused. â€œHave you seen Rachel at all?â€�

â€œYeah, she was in here, just now, crying,â€� Sihan said, straightening up. â€œWhat happened?â€�

â€œWe were teasing her about Desmond, and she just blew up...â€� Yihui said ruefully.

Sihan nodded knowledgeably. â€œCould tell. Anyway, she just went out. I think she met, ahem, Desmond outside, I thought I heard his voice.â€�

The four of them raised their eyebrows. â€œThanks,â€� Sunny said.

â€œWelcome,â€� Sihan said as she splashed some more water on her face.

They exited the toilet, and looked round.

â€œWhere dâ€™you think they went?â€� Yifang asked.

Ngan Ching looked at her watch. â€œWell, itâ€™s nearly lunchtime... maybe they went off to the Great Hall?â€�

Sunny nodded. The Griffindoor sixth-years were released early on Tuesdays for lunch, so it made sense that the two of them would go to the Hall.

They walked, and the unease that Sunny had tried suppressing since overhearing Kiw was welling up again. It was gnawing at her, and she simply couldnâ€™t throw it off. She was just about to voice it out as they entered the Hall, when suddenly Yifang gave a gasp.

Sunny slipped out of her reverie immediately. â€œWhat?â€�

For answer, Yifang pointed at the extreme right side of the Hall.

Sunnyâ€™s heart skipped a beat. It was the Griffindoor table, and there was a whole crowd of students around it. Someone shouted, â€œGet Professor Smurf! And Madam Lee! Now!â€�

They ran over. The sickening feeling in the pit of Sunnyâ€™s stomach suddenly felt much stronger. She saw Desmond standing there, ashen-faced, breathing heavily. She met his eyes. As she went nearer he began shaking his head, slowly. â€œI swear... I didnâ€™t do it... I really didnâ€™t... I... I swear...â€� he whimpered.

Sunny forced herself to look. Her whole body turned cold.

There was someone lying on the floor.

Sunnyâ€™s gaze travelled upwards, from the unmoving feet in ankle socks, to the shirt that wasnâ€™t tucked in, to the stiff neck, to the mouth that was slightly open in surprise. That personâ€™s eyes were glassy. She was not moving.

It was Rachel.

Chapter XIII

2004-08-22T21:18:00.000+08:00

Chapter XIII

It was a noisy affair at dinner that night. For one, Cheryl, Muthu and Hu Ping were all rejoicing in their acceptance into the team that they were being louder and even more raucous than usual. Their tryout stories were being told and retold, and finally got so imaginative that when Barnabas, the last one who got to dinner, heard them, he was made to believe that Muthu had dangled from his broom and used his legs to kick the Quaffle into the goal, all the while avoiding a freak Bludger. Obviously, the first thing Barnabas did when he heard the story was to snort into his pumpkin juice.

Cheryl, who was sitting beside him, was just complaining how her shirt had been stained orange by the juice when everyone else stopped talking and looked behind her.

She didnâ€™t even need to turn to see who it was. Rolling her eyes, she said, â€œWhat do you want?â€�

â€œGetting better at sensing my presence, I see,â€� Yee Tien said.

â€œWhy donâ€™t you just... go away,â€� Matt said sweetly.

Yee Tien ignored him. â€œSo. You all got in the team. First match in April against us, eh? Well, thereâ€™s no need to play it â€“ â€˜cause youâ€™ll lose.â€�

â€œI donâ€™t know how exactly we can lose when playing against a bunch of losers, you know,â€� Muthu replied. The rest cheered.

â€œThat would be you, Iâ€™m afraid,â€� Yee Tien said coolly, her eyes scanning the table. â€œIdiots... lamers... Mudbloods,â€� she said snidely.

Sunny whipped round, her face red, right hand clenching her wand tightly â€“ but before she could do anything, Yee Tien was gone.

â€œItâ€™s okay,â€� Cheryl said comfortingly, putting an arm on Sunnyâ€™s shoulder.

â€œYeah, so what if you have Muggle parents? Youâ€™re still loads better than her,â€� Hu Ping said fiercely, his voice full of loathing.

â€œI just hate it when people call me that...â€� Sunny said quietly. Suddenly she stood up and went off out of the Hall, head down. Rachel and Yihui quickly put down their forks and spoons and followed her.

â€œI didnâ€™t know she had Muggle parents,â€� Minyu said after the three were out of earshot. She looked deeply concerned.

â€œSheâ€™s hidden it for ages,â€� Hu Ping said quietly.

They remained silent, their happy mood gone. They were just finishing off their carrot cake when they heard the booming voice of Professor Smurf.

â€œAll, we have a new addition to the staff at Hogwarts,â€� he said, a peculiar look of disgust and weariness on his face.

They looked up and down the staff table, and immediately they all saw him â€“ no, her â€“ okay, it.

It was a person, a very short and squat person. It was so short it appeared to be sitting when it was actually standing. It had very toad-like features â€“ beady eyes, a flat nose, a chin that jutted out prominently, even a slightly green tinge on the skin (though perhaps that was just Mattâ€™s imagination). Cheryl half-expected it to open its mouth and have a 2-metre tongue fly out. However, she, like the others, couldnâ€™t exactly figure out this androgynous person's sexual orientation.

â€œAsexual, maybe?â€� Barnabas said, his mouth open.

â€œTranssexual, more like,â€� Muthu said, eyes staring.

â€œNo, neutered,â€� Eunice said firmly.

They all laughed.

â€œMiss Ee here will be our schoolâ€™s caretaker,â€� Professor Smurf continued. â€œThis means she will be in charge of keeping all of the schoolâ€™s possessions in order. She will also be helping Professor Molekiw maintain discipline.â€�

Everyone groaned. Kiw, at the staff table, flinched. A shadow of a smile crossed Professor Smurfâ€™s face, but he continued.

â€œI am sure all of you will do your best to cooperate with her and Professor Molekiw, and keep up our discipline standards,â€� he ended.

â€œWell, so now we have yet another person to watch out for,â€� Yi Fan said sadly. He was always being caught for his untied shoelaces and long fingernails.

They all smiled wry smiles.

â€œSheâ€™s so like a toad!â€� Cheryl remarked.

â€œNo, sheâ€™s an alien,â€� Barnabas said.

They all turned to him. â€œWhy?â€� Minyu said curiously.

â€œIâ€™ve heard my father talk about her before â€“ she used to work at the Ministry,â€� Barnabas replied. A smile flickered across his face. â€œHer full name is Miss Ee Tee.â€�

----------

The next morning, they were all trooping down from the Griffindoor common room to breakfast. No sooner had they exited the room than they heard the unmistakable sound of whistling. Muthu threw out both his hands in front of the group (a protective gesture, though it wouldnâ€™t have really worked because he was so thin and couldnâ€™t have blocked anything anyway) and looked round cautiously.

â€œA ghost?â€� Rachel enquired.

â€œNo... doesnâ€™t really sound as if itâ€™s coming from anywhere, does it,â€� Cheryl said rationally.

â€œIt doesnâ€™t matter where it comes from, as long as you get moving,â€� an extremely high-pitched voice said, to their left. Miss Ee was standing (or is it squatting?) there, hands on her w i d e hips, her bosom practically bouncing along in rhythm with her gait. She was so fat and so short she was waddling.

They all stared at her, astonished. Yi Fan had abandoned all pretense and was looking closely at her, his mouth wide open.

â€œOh, I know Iâ€™m pretty,â€� and at this Yi Fan promptly drew back and mimed retching with his back turned to Miss Ee, who was actually blushing, â€œbut do get a move on. This means you are late for breakfast. And this means that I will take 5 points from Griffindoor.â€�

A wave of angry retorts ensued.

â€œEach,â€� Miss Ee continued, her voice dangerously quavering. They all threw her looks of loathing before turning and going down the stairs to the Great Hall. Behind them Miss Ee called out, â€œAm I really that pretty?â€�

The guys blanched. They hurried off.

----------

At four that afternoon, the Griffindoors made their way down to the Quidditch pitch for their first practice. The sun was blazing and it took no more than five minutes in that heat to be covered in sweat. However, the team still soldiered on with their practice as the others watched in the shade of the stands.

â€œWell, Iâ€™m gonna release the balls now,â€� Desmond called out from the ground as his teammates hovered above him and shouted their okays. Within five seconds, they had started, all four balls a blur â€“ the red Quaffle, two black Bludgers, and the almost invisible golden Snitch.

Cheryl was Seeker this time, so the first thing she did was to get higher off the ground on the Cleansweep Seven provided by the school. She was afforded a birdâ€™s-eye view of the practice, which was actually quite entertaining. She saw the spectacular saves Desmond made; the neat passes between Yihui, Sunny and Eunice; and Muthu and Hu Ping trying their best as first-time Beaters. She laughed out loud when she saw Muthu try and hit a Bludger and miss, hitting thin air instead. The others watching, including Matt, Rachel, Barnabas, Yi Fan and Minyu, were apparently having a good time watching as well, laughing and talking so loud Cheryl could hear them 20 metres up.

Suddenly Minyu called out, â€œCheryl! Just beside you!â€�

Cheryl whipped round and snatched at thin air. The Snitch had been too quick for her. She could still see it though, speeding off towards the goalposts. Streaking off after it, she let out a whoop as the wind ruffled her long hair (it did obscure her vision a bit, apart from making her look like someone from a horror movie). She nearly hit Eunice, who had to double over forwards to let Cheryl fly over her, and nearly impaled Sunny with her broom. Thankfully Sunny had the agility to move upwards at the last moment.

She reached the goalposts â€“ and found that the Snitch had disappeared yet again. Slowly, she went higher up on her broom to try and spot it again. She soon realized, however, that something was missing below her. Hu Ping and Muthu werenâ€™t doing anything. They were scratching their heads while holding their Beaterâ€™s clubs.

Cheryl pieced two and two together too late.

Wham.

The pain overwhelmed her as she fell off her broom. The Bludger had hit her in the small of her back, though, judging by the throbbing she now felt, she hadnâ€™t broken any bones. She was, however, holding on to her broom only by her arms.

â€œYou alright?â€� Hu Ping shouted, as he maneuvered his broom so that she could get on behind him.

Cheryl nodded, face white. It had been a shock. Though the pain was already fading.

When she got off Hu Pingâ€™s broom and onto ground again, her friends and teammates all rushed up to her. Their faces were all shades of ash.

â€œWe thought youâ€™d fall off or something,â€� Minyu said, eyes wide as she examined Cherylâ€™s back.

â€œItâ€™s okay, I held on at the last minute,â€� Cheryl said. â€œThough it did hurt like hell.â€� She groaned softly.

â€œSomeone having problems holding on to their broom, perhaps?â€� A slimy voice sneered. Zhuâ€™en had arrived, with a whole posse of Slitherings, and judging by his remark, he had seen what had just happened. Cheryl cursed inwardly. Now she would be the victim of relentless persecution.

â€œIf you can even call that a broom,â€� Yee Tien, who was standing next to Zhuâ€™en, said. Malicious glee was painted all over her face.

â€œShut up, the both of you,â€� Muthu cut in, his mouth drawn into a very thin line. His face was getting blacker by the second.

â€œOh, and how can we forget â€“ such ineffective Beaters,â€� Zhuâ€™en continued, without letting up the sneering.

Cheryl heard Sunny whisper behind. The Griffindoorsâ€™ eyes flickered upwards. A pause.

â€œThe jokeâ€™s on you,â€� Desmond said calmly.

The Slitherings looked at each other, clearly unsure of what was going on. â€œWhat?â€�

â€œThe jokeâ€™s on you,â€� Cheryl repeated softly.

Yee Tienâ€™s lip curled. â€œI see that Bludger has somehow muddled up your brain,â€� she said.

â€œOh, but the Bludgers like your brain more, I assure you,â€� Rachel piped up brightly. The Griffindoorsâ€™ eyes flickered upwards once again, and the smiles never left their faces as they observed the two Bludgers hovering directly above the Slitherings.

â€œGoodbye,â€� Cheryl said.

â€œA pleasure to meet you,â€� Matt added.

Wham.

Chapter XII

2004-08-09T19:17:00.000+08:00

Chapter XII

â€œWhat is all this nonsense I am hearing?â€� Professor Huda glared at the class, an unmistakable look of disgust and distaste etched deeply on her face. Her long, slightly permed hair looked frayed and frizzled, and she seemed to have grown thinner over the past few days her class had not seen her. With her hands on her hips, her body language shouted, donâ€™t mess with me or Iâ€™ll eat you up.

Half the class looked up from their Astronomy essays; the other half attempted looking up from their telescopes and ended up bumping the sides of their heads against them, nearly sending them toppling over. They all stared back at their professor, nonplussed.

â€œI have heard from a certain member of the staff,â€� she ranted, â€œabout how there have been rumours of me and Professor Helmi having a... a... you know what I mean!â€�

A wall of silence greeted her. Guilty silence. Matt was trying hard not to implicate himself by looking at anybody else.

â€œI donâ€™t know which one of you has been spreading the rumour, or if all of you have been involved, but this better stop now!â€� she raved on, her voice resounding shrilly over the topmost turrets of the castle. In the chilly night air, Cheryl shivered, head bowed, trying not to think of all the people she had spread the news to. All her classmates were in pretty much the same state as her.

â€œAnd how did anyone even get the impression I was... the p word, I donâ€™t know either! You all better explain...â€�

Silence. Then â€“

â€œWell, Professor,â€� Matt raised a hand timidly. â€œThere was this conversation where someone overheard you were in your seventh month...â€� he cringed, clearly not knowing how to continue.

â€œAnd tell me, do I even look seven months... the p word?â€� she asked, but there was a slight note of amusement in her voice now.

The class muttered no.

â€œBut... but you were talking to Professor Helmi about how he had gotten you all excited, and then all the fooling around, and, and â€“"

â€œAnd I suppose you also overheard how I canâ€™t â€˜hide it anymoreâ€™?â€� Professor Huda retorted, the trace of a smile appearing on her lips.

Matt nodded. Professor Huda sat down at the teacherâ€™s table wearily. She looked at the class for a minute, her eyes glazing over. Then, she sighed.

â€œClass, I will tell you this. Without proper incubation, a dragon can still break through the egg-shell on its own. However, it will take a longer time to develop inside the egg. Seven months.â€�

The students looked up, their mouths open. Professor Huda continued.

â€œI am also sure that all of you know that dragon eggs are illegal here, and anyone found in possession of one faces a hefty fine.â€�

She sighed again, before plowing on.

â€œProfessor Helmi and I are not a couple. We are good friends though. One day I jokingly, and rather foolishly, asked him to buy a Hippogriff for me. Obviously he couldnâ€™t and as a joke, he gave me a perfect model of a Hippogriff egg. Only thing was, it wasnâ€™t a model, and it wasnâ€™t a Hippogriff egg. It was a real dragon egg. We couldnâ€™t get rid of it because we couldnâ€™t bear to see it die, and we couldnâ€™t keep it. We didnâ€™t know what to do. Finally, Professor Smurf got wind of our plight and he handled the matter for us.â€�

They all felt the truth crash down upon them with excruciating austerity, for they had all known that little bit of dragon lore all along â€“ but it had never occurred to them that Professors Helmi and Huda might not be an illegitimate pair.

â€œBut I understand,â€� Professor Huda said gently. â€œJust donâ€™t spread any more rumours, please,â€� she said, as a shadow of weariness crossed her face once again.

They all murmured sorry, and she smiled.

â€œYou can see, class, Venus is especially bright tonight...â€�

----------

Together with Hu Ping, Muthu, Rachel and Matt, the last two being those who had wanted to watch, Cheryl made her way down to the Quidditch pitch at 6 oâ€™ clock the next day. Looking into the stands, she saw Desmond with Eunice, Sunny and Yihui and waved wildly to them. They grinned back in return as they made their way down onto the green grass of the field.

â€œRight,â€� Desmond started. â€œGotta tell you that our team is all about flexibility â€“ all of us can, and should, be able to take up more than one role in the team. Of course, we donâ€™t take up more than one role at the same time.â€�

They all winced. The cold gusts whipping past their faces didnâ€™t help either.

â€œAnyway, just look at the four of us. Iâ€™m Keeper-cum-Beater, Sunny is Chaser-cum-Seeker, as is Eunice, and Yihui isâ€¦ well, Yihui is simply a benchwarmer, but oh well,â€� Desmond continued. Yihui didnâ€™t seem to notice because right at that moment, a whole group of people entered the stadium. Noticing their smirks and insulting stares, it clearly registered in Cherylâ€™s mind that all these people were from Slithering.

â€œOkay, so â€“,â€� Desmond stopped in mid-sentence as well, seeing the newcomers.

â€œOh, donâ€™t mind us,â€� their leader said snidely. His sneer deserved more than a few curses, but Cheryl restrained herself. â€œWeâ€™re just... looking around.â€�

â€œMind your own business, Zhuâ€™en,â€� Desmond retorted. His voice had an icy note in it.

â€œOr else weâ€™ll curse you off your broom,â€� Matt muttered from his seat.

Zhuâ€™enâ€™s eyebrows went up so high they nearly disappeared into his hair. â€œOh, children, it doesnâ€™t pay to be so impertinent, you know.â€�

â€œOr else weâ€™ll curse you till you cry out for your mummy,â€� the girl next to Zhuâ€™en said. Stepping out of his shadow, the Griffindoors realized it was none other than Yee Tien. Of course, she had directed the last comment at Matt, who was now looking up into the sky and twiddling his thumbs. Cheryl hid a smile.

â€œJust... donâ€™t interfere, thatâ€™s all,â€� Desmond said coolly to the Slitherings, who threw insolent looks at him and trooped off to the back of the stands where they whispered amongst themselves, pointing at the Griffindoors.

â€œIgnore them,â€� Desmond intoned. â€œRight. So what are you all trying out for?â€�

â€œChaser and Seeker,â€� Cheryl replied.

â€œBeater and Keeper,â€� Hu Ping said.

â€œChaser and Beater,â€� Muthu said after a pause.

Desmond nodded, then looked directly at Muthu. â€œYou first. Weâ€™ll be testing your passing, receiving and scoring skills first, alright?â€�

Muthu did something that resembled a nod, before getting up on a broom that Desmond had provided.

â€œGood luck!â€� the rest called out, as he soared into the air. Sunny, Eunice and Desmond followed, and they started playing.

Cheryl looked up at them, trying to think positive thoughts, trying to cheer her friend on, but she slipped into a reverie instead, her mind becoming a blank, her body becoming feather-light...

â€œGood job!â€� Desmond said a few minutes later. Muthu had put the Quaffle past Desmond a few times, and as he dismounted his broom, Cheryl slipped out of her reverie and turned her attention to him. She could see his face was flushed with pleasure. After congratulating him, Cheryl turned round in her seat.

â€œRachel? How come youâ€™re so quiet?â€�

Rachel was looking absently in front of her, her gaze directed at Desmond. Cheryl poked her. The guys sniggered. Matt whispered oh-so-quietly, â€œRachel and Desmond sitting in a tree...â€�

Rachel shrieked, and Matt shut up.

Another few minutes later Hu Ping had finished and it was Cherylâ€™s turn. Desmond beckoned to her. Suddenly she felt light-headed. All her weight seemed to have gone down to her legs, which were leaden.

â€œHey! Be careful not to drop the Quaffle on your friends, will you?â€� Zhuâ€™en jeered from the back of the stands.

â€œYou donâ€™t even need to try!â€� Yee Tien called out.

â€œIgnore them, ignore them,â€� Desmond intoned once again. Cheryl nodded tersely. She only had one thought on her mind â€“ get this over and done with.

As if in a trance, she got onto her broom. In the recesses of her mind, she could vaguely hear the Slitherings chanting, jeering, catcalling. It didnâ€™t matter.

She could see Sunny and Eunice in the air beside her. Sunny threw the Quaffle to Eunice, who threw it to her.

In that split second, her mind instantly became clear, devoid of all feeling. She saw the Quaffle come towards her, caught it â€“ and a second later, she was racing towards the goalposts, she saw Desmond hovering round the centre one. She only took a moment to take aim and hurl the Quaffle â€“

And the next thing she knew, she could hear her friends cheering, she could see Desmond flashing the thumbs-up to her, she could almost imagine the Slitheringsâ€™ faces, wide-eyed with shock.

By the time Cheryl finished her Seeker tryout, it was already dark.

â€œGood job, everyone,â€� Desmond said, a glint in his eye. â€œAll of you â€“ youâ€™ve got talent. Youâ€™re in.â€�

The three of them â€“ Muthu, Hu Ping and Cheryl â€“ jumped into the air and whooped, as their friendsâ€™ cheers reverberated across the stadium.

â€œOh, so weâ€™re all a happy family now, are we,â€� a snide voice said. Cheryl turned, and saw once again the detestable face of Zhuâ€™en. â€œBut you just wait and see. Youâ€™ll faint when you see them, youâ€™ll be so shocked.â€�

â€œWeâ€™re so scared,â€� Matt said in mock fright. He mimed fainting. The Griffindoors laughed.

â€œIf I could curse you, I would,â€� Yee Tien said viciously. â€œCurse you till all your hair falls off and you have carrots growing out of your ears.â€�

Matt looked at her and cocked an eyebrow. â€œIs that all you know? Five years here and thatâ€™s all the curses you know? God, thatâ€™s so pitiful.â€�

The corner of Yee Tienâ€™s lip twitched, but she said nothing. Matt, for his part, was still looking at her innocently.

â€œCâ€™mon, letâ€™s go, weâ€™re wasting our time on this bunch of kindergarten kids,â€� Zhuâ€™en said to the Slitherings, who all grunted stupidly and followed him out of the stadium.

â€œWonder whatâ€™s the them he was talking about?â€� Matt said a minute later.

â€œDunno, but who really cares... Rachel, are you okay?â€� Desmond said. Rachel was staring into thin air again. Hastily, she looked up, and for a fleeting instant, her eyes locked with Desmondâ€™s.

Sunny cleared her throat.

â€œLetâ€™s go for dinner,â€� Rachel said, tearing her gaze away from Desmondâ€™s. She got up and walked off quickly. Cheryl saw her flushed cheeks, her embarrassed expression, and giggled. The others were all smiling inwardly.

â€œWhatâ€™s so funny, huh?â€� Desmond snapped.

â€œNothing,â€� they chorused innocently.

Chapter XI

2004-08-03T18:26:00.000+08:00

Chapter XI

January faded imperceptibly into February, and before the fifth-years knew it, they had already lived through one month of torture and tests (of course, the two were synonymous with each other). February marked many things. It marked the beginning of the Quidditch season. And it marked... well, it marked the beginning of a lot of things.

Cheryl had gradually gotten used to seeing Kiw multiple times a day. She had grown to be more rule-abiding, pulling her socks up (in both the literal and metaphorical sense), paying attention during classes, keeping her fringe short. Her friends, however, were slightly more unfortunate.

â€œBut sir, itâ€™s so hot to tuck in our shirts completely!â€� Rachel said innocently, staring at the Man with the Mole. Sunny was finding it rather difficult to keep her feelings inside though, and tried to put on a forced smile while stuffing her shirt in angrily.

â€œIt tarnishes the schoolâ€™s image. Do you understand that?â€� he said waspishly.

â€œAs if we care,â€� Sunny muttered under her breath.

Unfortunately for her, Kiw heard.

â€œOh yes you do,â€� he said, dangerously close to her. She could see the beads of oil on his greasy nose. â€œOr at least, you will when Iâ€™m done with you,â€� he continued. â€œTen points from Griffindoor, and a detention. Ten oâ€™ clock tonight. Be punctual.â€� With that, he stalked off.

Sunny stared sourly at his retreating figure. Rachel patted her on the shoulder. No words, no vulgarities could ever properly describe the lump of poo that was Kiw.

â€œWhat lesson do we have now, anyway?â€� Rachel asked, trying to change the subject.

Sunny thought for a moment, before clapping a hand on her mouth. â€œCrap! Itâ€™s Defense Against the Dark Arts!â€�

They grabbed their bags, and ran.

----------

Five minutes later, Sunny and Rachel stood, panting, outside their classroom. They had run like the wind (actually, no, more like a slow breeze) but had still turned up late. Hesitating at the door, they peeped inside the classroom and saw Kiw already droning on to their classmates. Yihui, the nearest to the door, breathed a sigh of relief when she saw them at the doorway. Glancing at Kiw to see if he had seen her not listening, she whispered, â€œHeâ€™s not in a good mood today. Stupid idiot. Anyway, I thought you two had died or something!â€�

â€œActually, my dear,â€� Kiw called out from the centre of the classroom, â€œI had told them to go and make themselves presentable. I have never seen two people who have been such incorrigible rule-breakers. Both of you, sit down. And I seem to remember saying that I do not condone talking in my lessons unless I ask you to. Silencio.â€�

Yihui opened her mouth to retaliate, but the spell had already done its work â€“ she had an invisible gag over her mouth. Resigned to fate, she slumped back into her chair and crossed her arms, making a face at Kiw. But he didnâ€™t notice. He was busy sending the class back into a stupor.

----------

The fifth-years were practising Banishing Charms in the bright sunlight that filled their Charms classroom. Mr. Teo, who was in a rather good mood today, went around humming an old melody, helping those who had trouble with the spell.

â€œRemember, concentrate on Banishing the cushions! And also that nice wrist movement weâ€™ve been practising!â€�

â€œEr... the swish and flick?â€� Muthu said absent-mindedly, as he performed the movement. His cushion, instead of flying away from him, flew up into the air where it hovered for a few seconds, before coming down to fall on his head. The result looked quite like a girl with a pink hat on.

Mr. Teo hurried over and corrected him.

â€œYou know, I think Professor Hudaâ€™s really on maternity leave,â€� Matt suddenly piped up, as he Banished another cushion into the box they were supposed to be aiming at.

Hu Ping stared up at him. â€œThatâ€™s stupid. Maybe sheâ€™s just sick or something.â€�

â€œBut the conversation I overheard! Itâ€™s too... fishy,â€� Matt finished lamely. Mr. Teo, who was at Cherylâ€™s table, turned to look at him for a moment, before he turned back to the girls again.

â€œWhatâ€™re you guys talking about?â€� Yi Fan cut in from the other corner. As he turned he also unconsciously performed the wrist movement they had just learnt, and sent a cushion flying right into Hu Pingâ€™s face.

â€œOh... about Professor Huda,â€� Matt answered, trying not to laugh at the sight of Hu Ping, who had now thrown the pillow off and was sending a few colourful curses at Yi Fan.

â€œAh,â€� Yi Fan said, faking a look of mock awe on his face. â€œEh anyway, care to help me with this spell? I just canâ€™t do it,â€� he said wryly.

â€œReally?â€� Hu Ping asked.

â€œJust look and see,â€� Yi Fan replied. Turning to his pile of cushions (they all looked in bad condition due to various dirt stains from the floor and walls), he tried to Banish a cushion, but only succeeded in getting it off the table and falling to the floor.

â€œAccio cushion!â€� Matt said, and the cushion flew back up again. He swept the dust off it and placed it back on the pile in front of Yi Fan. â€œYouâ€™re not concentrating properly. Just think of Banishing the cushion. Donâ€™t think of anything else.â€�

Yi Fan looked doubtful.

â€œGo on, try it,â€� Hu Ping cajoled.

Yi Fan scrunched up his face in concentration. â€œOkay, here we go!â€� With one fluid motion, he pointed his wand at the five cushions in front of him.

Matt gasped.

â€œWhat?â€� Yi Fan asked, opening his eyes.

For answer Matt pointed to the box on the opposite side of the room. In the box, Yi Fanâ€™s five cushions were stacked neatly, one on top of the other.

----------

â€œYouâ€™re so good!â€� Cheryl enthused as the class spilt out of their Charms classroom. Mr. Teo had been so pleased with Yi Fan at the end that he had given him a large block of chocolate. Of course, the chocolate was now making its rounds among the fifth-years.

â€œYeah... but I didnâ€™t think I could do it...â€� Yi Fan said, still quite surprised at himself.

â€œYou just didnâ€™t know you had it in you,â€� Matt added in.

There was a pause.

â€œSo now youâ€™re gonna beat me at Charms!â€� Barnabas wailed.

They rolled their eyes, and walked on. And for the first time this year, Yi Fan could see a shred of hope for his studies right in front of him.

----------

As Cheryl entered the Great Hall for dinner, she saw from afar the figure of Ang Yee Tien â€“ that girl who had been bothering her and her friends day after day. After Yee Tien had been appointed as one of Molekiwâ€™s (Wo)men, she had become even more obnoxious, taking every opportunity to deduct points from Griffindoor for small trifles such as having a speck of dirt on their uniform. Still, Cheryl thought Matt was getting it the worst. Yee Tien was deducting points from Griffindoor simply because she disliked him.

â€œSheâ€™s coming,â€� Eunice said to the rest.

In a matter of a few seconds Yee Tien had strode up the length of the Hall and now stood in front of Cheryl and her friends.

â€œWhat do you want?â€� Matt said rudely.

â€œHow about deducting more points?â€� she replied, sneering.

â€œBecause we donâ€™t like you,â€� said Liqin, who was at Yee Tienâ€™s side.

â€œOh, you actually can talk? You look so bimbotic, I thought you couldnâ€™t,â€� Matt replied.

Liqin paused. â€œWhatâ€™s â€˜bimboticâ€™?â€�

Cheryl had to pretend to cough into a tissue to disguise her snort.

â€œOh, it means youâ€™re very pretty,â€� Eunice said, making her voice as saccharine-sweet as possible.

Liqin paused again. It seemed she had to take a few seconds to digest anything said to her that was more than a few words long.

â€œAnyway, you donâ€™t talk to her like that, okay,â€� Yee Tien smirked. â€œFive points from Griffindoor. Iâ€™m so sorry. And you better watch out,â€� she aimed her stare directly at Matt, who deliberately started walking towards her, before elaborately stepping past her and going to the Griffindoor table, where he turned and stared coldly back at her.

â€œStare you out,â€� he said coolly.

â€œIâ€™m not gonna waste my time on a little boy like you,â€� Yee Tien answered snidely, before whipping round and walking off.

â€œSheâ€™s got an attitude, that one,â€� Matt said later as his friends sat down. He was helping himself to a large serving of baked potatoes.

â€œAs do you,â€� Eunice said playfully.

Mattâ€™s temper seemed to have gone down a bit, and he managed a grin.

â€œSorry for interrupting,â€� a voice behind them said. â€œBut would any of you like to try out for the Quidditch team?â€�

They all turned round to see Desmond Yap, the present Griffindoor team captain and their senior in sixth-year. Sunny and Eunice, both Chasers in the team, waved cheerfully to him. His grey eyes flickered to them for a moment as he smiled. He then looked at the others up and down, his gaze resting on Rachel for a moment.

â€œNah, I canâ€™t, Iâ€™m commentating this year,â€� Matt piped up from his corner. He was now on his second serving of Shepherd's pie.

Hu Pingâ€™s mouth fell open. â€œReally?â€�

Matt stopped shovelling the potato pie into his mouth for a moment and looked up. â€œWell, yeah,â€� he shrugged. â€œI got through the auditions.â€�

While the rest clapped and laughed, Hu Ping said again, â€œReally? But I thought your commentating sucked!â€�

A round of poking and cursing ensued once again. Desmond raised his eyebrows. â€œErm... so... anyone?â€�

â€œMe!â€� Muthu called out.

â€œAnd me... ouch!â€� yelled Hu Ping, who was still being punished for his insolence by Matt.

â€œYeah, Iâ€™ll go for it,â€� Cheryl said.

The girls all turned to look at her. â€œI didnâ€™t know you liked Quidditch so much,â€� Minyu said. â€œActually Iâ€™d join... but then the robes arenâ€™t orange!â€�

Desmond looked oddly at Minyu. â€œWell, weâ€™re thinking of re-designing the robes this year,â€� he said.

Minyu pondered over it for a moment. â€œNah, Iâ€™m not good,â€� she said finally.

â€œWell, anyway, the three of you,â€� Desmond said, his eyes trained on the three who had just signed up (Matt had stopped poking Hu Ping and had gone back to his Shepherdâ€™s pie), â€œtryouts are tomorrow, 6 oâ€™ clock at the pitch. Got it?â€�

They all nodded, and he took his leave, moving on to a group of chattering third-years next to them.

â€œHow about you, Rachel?â€� Sunny asked playfully. â€œYou had this... lovelorn look in your eyes...â€� she turned and took a hard look at her captainâ€™s lean frame, his shock of carefully-spiked hair, and smiled. â€œFind him handsome, maybe?â€� she pressed on.

Rachel stared at her friend angrily. â€œGo eat your dinner!â€� she said in a commanding tone.

â€œAnyway, if she joined the team all sheâ€™d do is stand at the goalposts and fumble with the ball when itâ€™s thrown to her,â€� Matt said, sticking his tongue out. â€œAnyway, Cheryl, whyâ€™d you join?â€�

â€œWell... I just thought Iâ€™d try it out, thatâ€™s all...â€� she said vaguely.

Actually, Cherylâ€™s mind was buzzing. She had just signed up for Quidditch tryouts. Itâ€™d been a long time since sheâ€™d done something so offhand, so on-the-spur-of-the-moment. She felt giddily happy. She was trying out for the sport which her idol took part in. She could almost see Harry Potter, flying like a hawk...

And she saw herself, soaring on a broomstick...

Suddenly she stopped. A thought had just occurred to her.

She didnâ€™t have a broomstick.

Chapter X

2004-07-30T21:59:00.000+08:00

Chapter X

As Cheryl trudged down the corridor to her Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, she felt the brevity of the previousâ€™ nightâ€™s conversation dawn upon her. The oily, ominous image of Kiw loomed in her mind. If he could blackmail the Minister, he could do anything. He could take over the school.

As she turned into the classroom, she saw that their teacher wasnâ€™t there yet. Sitting down, she was soon surrounded by a crowd of Huffelpuffs who wanted to hear the conversation she had heard. (Of course, news got around at Hogwarts.)

She was about to begin when the swish of black robes interrupted her. She expected to see Professor Siva but was instead greeted by the face-with-the-mole. She felt her jaw drop, and could almost hear the angry whispers coming from all around her.

â€œWhy the hell does he have to be here?â€� Jeremy hissed from behind.

Cheryl shrugged. Perhaps heâ€™s blackmailed Professor Siva, she thought dully. That didnâ€™t seem like an illogical conclusion.

â€œProfessor Siva somehow cannot be found in Hogwarts,â€� Molekiw began with a smirk on his face, â€œand so I am taking over his lessons. Turn to... page 226 of your textbook. We will be starting on the Reductor Curse, which blasts anything in its path. For example, take a look at this table.â€�

Kiw rolled up his sleeves and pointed his wand directly at the teachersâ€™ table. â€œLeducto!â€�

Nothing happened. Perhaps it was because Kiw couldnâ€™t pronounce râ€™s and lâ€™s properly.

Kiw cleared his throat, and tried once again. â€œLeducto!â€�

Nothing. A few of the girls giggled while the guys withheld snorts.

â€œOh, very funny is it?â€� Kiw asked, but his voice had lost some of its conviction. â€œHow about if I put you in my path instead?â€�

â€œHis aimâ€™s so bad, Iâ€™d be more scared if he were aiming for the thing next to me,â€� Jeremy whispered gleefully from behind, sniggering. Matt, who was sitting beside him, was rolling about his seat in silent, hysterical laughter.

â€œI have a meeting to attend now. Er... I want two feet of parchment on the usage of the Leductor â€“ er, Reductor Curse, to be handed in on Thursday, no excuses.â€� And with that, Kiw left the classroom.

That shut the guys up.

â€œBloody idiot,â€� Matt swore from behind. â€œI swear, one day Iâ€™ll use whatever curses weâ€™ve learnt against him. Not that weâ€™re learning anything from him at the moment.â€�

â€œPriceless moment, that was,â€� Muthu said, laughing. â€œLeducto! Leducto! So much for being effectively bilingual,â€� he continued, stating the fact that Kiw was, of course, extremely Oriental, especially in terms of speech. There was a strong accent when he spoke English â€“ one that caused occasional gaffes such as this.

â€œWell, itâ€™s still two feet of parchment,â€� Matt said dully.

â€œShut up! I just know youâ€™ll finish it in our next lesson,â€� Barnabas interjected. He was, of course, right. Matt hid a grin.

â€œI do wonder though... why heâ€™s here and not Siva?â€� Cheryl asked thoughtfully.

Everyone else shrugged. Well, most of them. Wan Qing piped up, â€œMaybe Sivaâ€™s just sick!â€�

They all pondered over this for a while.

â€œYou know, I think that may be the cleverest thing youâ€™ve ever come up with,â€� Matt said.

----------

â€œAnd they were all laughing at me â€“ the idiots!â€� Minellus Molekiw complained to the girl beside him.

â€œItâ€™s alright, itâ€™s all over now,â€� she replied soothingly.

â€œI canâ€™t get it out of my head! All this time Iâ€™m trying to be serious and all they do is laugh at me! I really want this job you know. I like Potions but I want to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts too,â€� he said childishly.

In her mind, she was cursing at him. Youâ€™re supposed to be my boyfriend, you stupid old goat! But instead she replied quietly, â€œOf course you do. And Iâ€™m sure the students will all come to accept you in time. Just like I have,â€� she added, smiling.

He looked into her hazel eyes, and felt all the worry dissipating.

â€œOf course they will,â€� he said dreamily. Just like you have...

----------

â€œWHAT?â€�

â€œItâ€™s cancelled!â€� Hu Ping said smugly.

â€œWoohoo!â€� Yi Fan cheered.

â€œThe Astronomy test is cancelled? But... but... Iâ€™ve already studied for it!â€� Matt wailed.

â€œApparently Professor Huda has something on that evening,â€� Barnabas added in. â€œIn fact, she says that we may be getting a relief teacher, because she may be going on leave soon,â€� he added.

â€œReally? Dâ€™you think itâ€™s because we called her... well, you know... Paddle Pop?â€� Minyu asked. Professor Huda had one day worn a multi-coloured outfit to class and had been called by the name of the rather colourful ice-cream. She hadnâ€™t seemed too pleased about it.

â€œNah, I donâ€™t think she has such a small temper,â€� Cheryl said. â€œMaybe itâ€™s because weâ€™ve been teasing her about Professor Helmi...â€�

Having seen the two teachers together at mealtimes, between and after lessons, the class had come to the conclusion that they were a pair. This rumour had spread like wildfire round the school and had culminated in Professor Huda giving them a talking-to during one Astronomy lesson.

â€œOh my god,â€� Matt said suddenly from his corner, where he was working on his Defense Against the Dark Arts essay.

â€œWhat?â€� Eunice said.

â€œI think I know why sheâ€™s going on leave,â€� he said slowly.

â€œWell, Iâ€™ll never!â€� Muthu and Eunice said in unison. They had been rather affected by a group of old bimbos and had resorted to acting like them.

â€œSheâ€™s going on maternity leave!â€�

----------

Dinner that evening was a noisy affair. Of course, with the mysterious disappearance of Professor Siva and the rumour of a pregnant Professor Huda, the students would be anything but quiet. Everywhere there were people shooting furtive glances at the staff table to check if Professor Huda was really donning a maternity dress. Cheryl rolled her eyes. Honestly. If a teacher wanted to get pregnant what did it have to do with the students?

This thought was going through her mind and she was just about to say it out loud to her friends when she bumped into that same Slithering girl from the previous evening.

Yee Tien shot a look of pure disgust at Cheryl and her friends. â€œSo, itâ€™s you again,â€� she said coolly. That girl beside her, Liqin, kept on nodding.

â€œWhatâ€™s your problem?â€� the group said in unison. Most of them were returning the looks of disgust right back to Yee Tien.

â€œWell, the thing is that I am able to take points from Houses now,â€� she said smugly, holding up a large badge with the words â€œMolekiwâ€™s Menâ€� on it. The group stared.

â€œWhat does... that mean?â€� Muthu asked, puzzled.

â€œBasically it means that our dear Professor Molekiw wants to have helpers weed out people who break the rules,â€� she replied. â€œPeople like you, basically,â€� she continued. â€œSo thatâ€™ll be five points for the ankle socks... each,â€� she said, pointing to the girls, â€œanother five because I donâ€™t like you,â€� she jabbed a finger at Matt, â€œoh, and five each for the both of you who have your shirts tucked out,â€� she shouted to Rachel and Sunny who were coming up behind the fifth-years. She gave them all another superior look before turning on her heel and walking off. Liqin continued staring at them.

â€œLiqin!â€�

She turned, and ran back to Yee Tien, her bimbo traits evident.

"What kind of name is Molekiw's Men?" Hu Ping asked.

"Sounds kinda sado-masochistic to me," Matt replied. The rest stared. He cringed.

â€œWell, Iâ€™m not sure I can guarantee I wonâ€™t secretly curse her,â€� he said crossly.

â€œYouâ€™d be doing us a favour,â€� Barnabas said shortly. â€œIn fact I think she deserves a big slap!â€�

At that moment, Cheryl couldnâ€™t have agreed more.

Chapter IX

2004-07-19T18:56:00.000+08:00

Chapter IX

At seven oâ€™ clock that evening, it was the usual stream of students in their white uniforms going into the Great Hall for their dinner. However, in the white there were a few patches of brown and black â€“ the result of the Griffindoorsâ€™ Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.

â€œHe could have just done the lesson in a classroom and given us cushions,â€� Matt complained.

â€œWell, grass is healthy, isnâ€™t it,â€� Minyu said dryly.

â€œAnd besides, you look very clean,â€� Barnabas said suspiciously.

â€œOh, itâ€™s very simple really. Scourgify!â€� he said, pointing his wand at Barnabas. White foam and bubbles immediately started frothing â€“ out of Barnabasâ€™ mouth.

Matt clapped his hand over his mouth. â€œOh NO, er, sorry, bad aiming, er, Scourgify!â€� he said once again, and this time the spell worked. The muddy patches simply faded away. Barnabas stopped frothing at the mouth and instead started to strangle Matt.

Cheryl giggled. Just at that moment she bumped into a girl going in the opposite direction, who turned round and glared at her.

â€œWatch where youâ€™re going, Miss,â€� the girl said snidely. The girl next to her, rather pretty but with a vacant expression on her face, nodded, trying to sneer. Cheryl stared back, but Eunice pulled her away.

â€œIgnore her,â€� Muthu said calmly.

â€œWhoâ€™s she?â€�

â€œHer name is Yee Tien â€“ and the girl beside her â€“ sheâ€™s called Liqin,â€� Eunice replied vaguely. Her eyes seemed trained on the teachersâ€™ table.

â€œTheyâ€™re from Slithering, arenâ€™t they?â€� Cheryl asked, knowing this was a rather rhetorical question. All Slitherings were rude and bore smirks on their faces. Most, at least. The others might be considered as bimbos.

They sat down, eagerly awaiting their dinner. As they waited, Cheryl happened to look up at the Staff table, where she saw Professor Molekiw apparently deep in conversation with Professor Siva, who had a rather blank expression on his face. The glasses in front of them held horribly red wine. Cheryl shuddered. She did not like the look that was on Kiwâ€™s face now â€“ a mix of triumph and malice.

â€œEh, Cheryl! Foodâ€™s here,â€� Cheryl heard Muthu from a seemingly far way off. She shook her head and glanced at the food. There were large platters of sushi and rice and fries â€“ the school was trying hard to have a varied menu. Cheryl shook her head again.

â€œIâ€™m on a diet,â€� she said.

----------

As Matt was returning to his common room from the washroom after dinner, he could not help but hear whispers coming from the classroom next to him. Quietly, he stopped outside the door.

â€œWell... what are we going to do about, you know,â€� a hushed voice said in panic. The voice had an unmistakable lilt to it â€“ Professor Hudaâ€™s.

â€œI donâ€™t know. It was your fault in the first place! All the fooling around,â€� a male voice said. This one was once again unmistakable â€“ Professor Helmiâ€™s.

Mattâ€™s eyes widened in horror, but he pressed his ear to the door and continued listening.

â€œIt was your fault! You got me all excited,â€� Professor Huda replied. â€œCome on, I canâ€™t hide it forever. Itâ€™s already the seventh month! It has to come out soon!â€�

Matt had heard enough. He ran.

----------

As Cheryl neared the staffroom, she could hear raised voices, obviously arguing.

â€œWell, Smurf, itâ€™s all very regrettable, and I donâ€™t know what possessed me when I signed the document â€“ but there it is! Itâ€™s a legally binding contract!â€� this voice was all too familiar...

â€œIt is an excuse for Ministry-sanctioned surveillance,â€� the voice of the Headmaster replied coolly. â€œI am sure you know, Percival, that I do not allow that in my school.â€�

â€œMinellus asked me whether he could be Discipline Master at Hogwarts, knowing you would never allow that â€“ and I allowed him to. I donâ€™t know why I did, but Iâ€™m glad I did! Such discipline standards in a hallowed institution simply cannot be allowed. I hear all these rumours about students vandalising school property, graffiti on walls, even teachers acting lovey-dovey in front of students â€“â€œ

â€œAnd that is all they are â€“ rumours. Are you so weak as to believe them, Percival?â€� And then in a much gentler tone, the Headmaster continued. â€œHe is terrorizing the school. Please, cancel the contract.â€�

Cheryl stopped at the door and pressed her ear to it. If she was not wrong, Minellus Molekiw had somehow become Discipline Master at Hogwarts by the order of the Minister, who didnâ€™t know why he had allowed Molekiw to become Discipline Master in the first place. And now the Headmaster was asking the Minister to cancel Molekiwâ€™s contract as Discipline Master. It didnâ€™t fit in.

â€œAh... Minister,â€� it was another voice, the fruity tone of Minellus Molekiw.

â€œPlease inform me of your decision when you are done, Percival,â€� the Headmaster said curtly. Cheryl heard the swish of robes and the distant sound of a door closing. Kiw and the Minister were alone now.

â€œMinellus... these reports that the Headmaster has given me... you seem to be abusing your authority here,â€� the Minister said rather uncertainly. â€œI think... I will have to order you to leave Hogwarts,â€� he finished lamely.

â€œBut you signed the contract, Minister,â€� Molekiw replied coldly. â€œI am not under your jurisdiction now. It says so here: â€˜Once this contract is signed by the Minister for Magic, the Discipline Master will no longer be under any jurisdiction, and will be the highest authority in the school.â€™â€�

â€œBut... but... Iâ€™m the Minister!â€�

â€œYou know, Minister,â€� the voice of Molekiw said, and Cheryl could almost imagine his lip curling, â€œI know some things about you. Like how you cannot perform even a simple Levitation Charm...â€�

The Minister sputtered in anger.

â€œIâ€™m sure if I released that fact to the press theyâ€™d have a field day...â€�

â€œAre... are you blackmailing me?â€� the Minister said weakly. There was fear in his voice.

Silence. Then â€“ â€œIâ€™m afraid I am, Minister. I trust I will not be removed from this post. A good evening to you,â€� Molekiw said smoothly.

Just then Cheryl heard it â€“ ten rings. Ten oâ€™ clock. Any student caught outside of their common room after this time would have to do a detention with Kiw. Reluctantly, Cheryl tore herself away from the door and sprinted back to the Griffindoor common room.

----------

â€œI just heard,â€� Cheryl gasped out as she practically jumped through the portrait hole to get into the common room, â€œKiw talking to the Minister.â€�

Her friends stared at her. â€œWhat?â€� Muthu said, nonplussed.

Cheryl proceeded to act out the conversation she had just heard.

â€œWait a minute..." Hu Ping said slowly. â€œYouâ€™re saying Kiw somehow deceived the Minister to make him Discipline Master here, but the Minister doesnâ€™t know why he did it? How odd.â€�

Cheryl nodded fervently.

â€œAnd also that now Kiw is blackmailing the Minister so he can keep his job here?â€�

Cheryl nodded again.

Silence.

And then the torrent.

â€œWhat an idiot!â€�

â€œStupid Minister! Couldnâ€™t he have just fired Kiw?!â€�

"Kiw is such a cunning asshole!â€�

â€œHey, people! Hey! HEY!â€� Matt roared. Apparently he too had just come into the common room, judging from his flushed cheeks and messy hair.

â€œHuda and Helmi...â€� and here he lowered his voice to a dramatic whisper, â€œare having a baby!â€�

Chapter VIII

2004-07-17T10:35:00.000+08:00

Chapter VIII

A week later, in their common room, eight Griffindoors were seated disconsolately round a rickety wooden table. None of them looked particularly interested in what they were doing, except perhaps one guy at the corner who was busy with an Arithmancy exercise. The others were staring ahead glumly, propping their heads up on their hands, playing unenthusiastically with their parchment and quills.

â€œWe have three tests this week,â€� Barnabas said slowly.

â€œDonâ€™t remind us,â€� Cheryl moaned.

The others nodded and sighed. Only Matt looked up from his Arithmancy graphs and frowned. â€œWell then, why not just study for them?â€�

They glared at him, and he fell silent.

â€œSchool is crap, honestly,â€� Hu Ping complained. â€œEspecially with such disgusting teachers.â€�

Minellus Molekiw had, in about a week, introduced about 10 new school rules, most restricting the way students could dress. The girls no longer dared to wear ankle socks for fear of spring checks. The last time someone from Ravingclaw got caught, they had had to spend an hour in the dungeon disemboweling toads. Yi Fan did not dare to keep his hair long. Matt, of course, kept his fringe in check. Eunice had to resort to changing the colour of her shoes to white â€“ or, as Professor Molekiw put it, 75% white.

Matt stifled a large yawn. He placed his parchment down on the table. â€œIâ€™m done,â€� he said through another yawn. â€œâ€™Night.â€�

â€œWeâ€™ll return you your essays tomorrow,â€� Muthu said with a small smile. Matt nodded and went off to the guysâ€™ dorm. His essays â€“ Transfiguration and Astronomy, remained untouched on the table. No one could be bothered to copy them now. Theyâ€™d rush tomorrow morning, as always.

Cheryl felt a bit guilty. This past week sheâ€™d been barely coping with classes. She wasnâ€™t the only one â€“ in fact there were plenty of people doing worse than her. At least she had understood Professor Helmiâ€™s convoluted Arithmancy lessons while Minyu was swimming in her confusion. Her Transfiguration and Potions were only just passes, so far. Her Befuddlement Draught had gotten a C, a grade she suspected she got only because Professor Molekiw didnâ€™t like her. She had been one of the many who had to have extra practice on Vanishing Spells. Though she hadnâ€™t fallen asleep in any more Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, she had a feeling Professor Siva was now observing her every movement in his class, something she hated. She needed to be free. She needed somewhere where grades didnâ€™t matter.

â€œKiw has just returned the essays,â€� Eunice said, sounding remarkably happy. She had been named Griffindoorâ€™s Potions rep, and seemed to be really enjoying the job. Why, Cheryl had no idea. Eunice now proceeded to give out the essays. When she reached Cheryl, she gave a wry smile before placing the parchment in front of her friend.

Cheryl looked down. She had gotten a C. Again.

Quickly, she stuffed the paper into her bag (she had forsaken her sling bag as those werenâ€™t allowed in school) before Barnabas could ask. Before she could do that, however, Yi Fan had already held up his paper for the rest to see. He had gotten an F. An F-, at that.

â€œItâ€™s a record,â€� he said proudly.

----------

The next morning, Rachel Kwan and Sunny Ng, Griffindoor fourth-years, were walking down from their dormitory to the Great Hall. They were clad in school uniform (robes were necessary only on Mondays) which consisted of skirt and shirt. They were talking animatedly, not bothering anyone, when â€“

â€œOh no!!â€� Rachel squealed, as she tried to pull Sunny and turn around.

â€œExcuse me, my dears,â€� a cold voice called out from behind them.

They both winced, and turned round. Slowly.

----------

â€œHe sucks,â€� Rachel said angrily half an hour later in combined Arithmancy, as she slammed her bag onto her desk and took out her Trigonometry notes, shortly followed by Sunny, who seemed to be bottling her rage up inside.

â€œI hate him,â€� she intoned under her breath. â€œI hate him I hate him I hate him...â€�

Matt patted her on the shoulder. â€œIâ€™ve been there,â€� he said sympathetically. â€œMy hair got burnt. What did he do to you all?â€�

â€œWell, obviously he saw our shirts were tucked out,â€� Rachel said in a would-be-calm voice, only it was tinged with irritation. â€œHe stopped us. He asked us to tuck in our shirts till we looked like... this.â€�

She demonstrated by tucking her shirt in as far as it could go. The end result looked like a cross between a nerd and a girl with no taste in fashion whatsoever (the two are rather the same, but never mind). Most of the girls sniggered, while the guys winced rather painfully and shrugged.

â€œI dunno whatâ€™s his problem...â€� Sunny said, fuming.

â€œClass... turn to page three of your notes. We will be starting Identities today...â€� the voice of Professor Helmi drifted over to the group clustered round Rachel and Sunnyâ€™s table. They scattered, ran back to their seats, and in ten minutes, were in a total stupor.

----------

â€œYou cannot let anyone know this is going on between us,â€� Minellus Molekiw intoned to the student walking beside him.

â€œOf course, Sir,â€� she said cheekily, smiling up at him.

â€œEspecially now with the new rule that I have introduced... what would happen if someone saw me having a special relationship with a student? My reputation would be ruined.â€�

â€œDonâ€™t worry, Iâ€™ll be careful,â€� she said quietly. â€œAnd you know, no matter what my friends say... you are a good teacher.â€�

A smile (if you could call it one, it looked rather more like a maniacal grin) flickered on Molekiwâ€™s face, but it vanished when he saw Professor Siva standing right at the end of the corridor.

â€œI was just wondering, Professor, where she was,â€� the Indian said, observing Molekiw and the student beside him closely.

â€œI was just having a word with her about her Potions essay. It was poorly-done,â€� he said coldly, shooting a look at his student. â€œRemember, I expect to see you in my office, four oâ€™ clock on Friday. Understand?â€�

â€œRight you are, Sir,â€� she said meekly, and followed Professor Siva off the corridor and out to the field outside.

She certainly is beautiful, Minellus Molekiw thought, as he looked at her figure fading into the distance.

----------

â€œYou lot are late,â€� Professor Siva said loudly, as the Griffindoors ran out to the small patch of grass where their Defense Against the Dark Arts class would be held today.

He was greeted by silence.

â€œWell, no apology at all? Get down onto the grass then, and give me ten push-ups, every single one of you,â€� he said. Cheryl stared at him, as her other classmates did. She wanted to slap him, but as was so often the case with teachers, she could not.

â€œWhy stare at me? Grass is healthy for you, you know,â€� Professor Siva said sardonically. â€œWhat, girls? Are all of you afraid of the mud or what?â€�

Cheryl now had a strong urge to throw a glob of mud right in his face (not that it really would have made much of a difference to his skin tone â€“ the mud would blend right in) but instead did as her teacher commanded. Beside her she could hear Minyu grumbling away about the stupidity of their teacher.

When they were done, they stood up and started rubbing their hands against each other to get rid of the mud and grass on them. Professor Siva glared at them for a moment, before saying again, â€œGrass is healthy! It wonâ€™t hurt you! Why clean it off?â€�

He was met again with a wall of silence.

â€œNow, get into pairs. We will be practicing the Impediment Jinx today. Donâ€™t worry if you fall on the grass, of course it wonâ€™t hurt you, itâ€™ll just make you a little dirty...â€�

As Cheryl went to Minyuâ€™s side, she had a bad feeling of foreboding that this lesson would make them more than a little dirty.

Chapter VII

2004-07-11T22:09:00.000+08:00

Chapter VII

Five minutes of hurried walking later, they reached their Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, where they found their teacher already waiting for them. Professor Siva was sitting at his table, propping his head up, tapping his fingers, looking extremely bored.

Cheryl entered the classroom and looked round, trying to find her friends (as this was a combined class with the Ravingclaws, this was understandably difficult). She noticed Professor Siva was staring at her. Looking round, she realized that everyone else was already seated. Quickly, she took a seat beside Eunice, cringing at the embarrassment of the situation.

â€œNow that we are all settled down,â€� Professor Siva began in a pointed voice, â€œI will begin my lesson. As you all know, you all will be taking your O.W.Ls this year, and your O.W.L results are extremely important as they may determine your future in the magical world. While Defense Against the Dark Arts may appear to be an irrelevant subject, I should hope all of you do well. And I may add, if I do stay on at Hogwarts, I will only take on the best students in my N.E.W.T classes.â€�

â€œAs if anyone would want to take N.E.W.T classes with a teacher like him,â€� Cheryl heard Jeremy Khong, a Ravingclaw, whisper behind her. She stifled a giggle.

â€œOh, itâ€™s very funny is it?â€� Professor Siva directed his glare at Cheryl. â€œWould you like to share the joke with the class?â€�

Cheryl hurriedly shook her head, while silently cursing and swearing at her teacher.

â€œThis year we will be concentrating on spells â€“ jinxes, hexes and the spells that counter them. Though I commonly take a practical approach to my classes, for today reading will suffice. Take out your copy of Jinxes for the Jinxed and Hexes for the Helpless, everyone, and turn to page 3. Begin reading. There will be no need to talk.â€�

The class put away their wands disappointedly, and took out their extraordinarily thick textbooks.

Cheryl turned to page 3 and began to read. The Difference Between Jinxes and Hexes, the title read, in large, bold font. The words after that, however, were the size of words in the newspapers. Jinxes and Hexes differ in many ways, but the basic difference between them is in their effects...

Cheryl had no sooner reached the second paragraph when she felt a sudden wave of drowsiness come over her, drawing her in its warm blanket. Her eyes were feeling very heavy...

â€œCheryl!â€� A voice called suddenly. Cheryl sat up bolt upright, to find Professor Siva staring directly at her. â€œWhat is the difference between jinxes and hexes?â€�

â€œEr...â€� Cheryl paused. She didnâ€™t know. She chanced a glance at her book, but no sooner had she looked down than when, with a flick of his wand, Professor Siva Summoned the book to him. He slammed it shut, and returned to glaring at Cheryl.

â€œEr...â€� Cheryl said again. She could hear Jeremy hissing behind her, â€œIn the effects...â€�

â€œFive points from Griffindoor for sleeping in class,â€� Professor Siva said shortly. â€œAnd another five from Ravingclaw for trying to help a student in the wrong,â€� he added.

The rest of the lesson went on without incident. At the end of it all Professor Siva had given them an essay to do, another two feet on the differences between jinxes and hexes, to be handed in the next lesson, which, unfortunately, happened to be Wednesday. Furthermore, he had also confiscated Cherylâ€™s book, saying he would only return it next lesson.

Cheryl was quietly fuming. It was a really crummy day. She had lost ten points for Griffindoor, got into the bad books of Professors Molekiw and Siva on their first day and now had to do an essay without her textbook. Minyu, sensing her anger, placed one arm on Cherylâ€™s shoulder. â€œCheer up,â€� she said gently.

Cheryl returned the gesture with a small smile.

â€œHeâ€™s an idiot, that one is,â€� Jeremy said contemptuously from behind them, as they walked to their next class. â€œI should be getting five points for helping someone!â€�

They laughed. The girl beside Jeremy, called Wan Qing, said to Cheryl, â€œOh my goodness... he was so mean to you... whatâ€™s his problem?!â€�

Cheryl shrugged. She didnâ€™t care anymore.

â€œAh, well... bye then,â€� Wan Qing said, as the Ravingclaws turned left to go to their next class. â€œSee you at practice!â€� she called out to Muthu, Matt and Eunice, the three Drama Society members. The Griffindoors waved, before going on down the corridor to their Divination classroom.

The windows of the classroom were covered with translucent blue curtains, giving the room an odd blue shine. In a corner there was a pot of herbs bubbling â€“ the smell was thick, and, to say the least, rather disgusting. Cheryl shuddered when the smell entered her nostrils. Though she liked Divination as a subject, the atmosphere wasnâ€™t exactly to her liking. She could see that the guys were taking the smell worse than she was â€“ Muthu and Matt were pinching their noses and closing their eyes in horror.

â€œGood morning, my dears,â€� a misty voice came out of the corner of the room. â€œHow nice it is to see all of you again. My Inner Eye has informed me that all of you are safe and sound â€“ how glad I am to know that.â€� Their teacher rose from the armchair she was sitting in, and stood facing the class.

Professor Kailini did not exactly have very good fashion sense â€“ she was covered in gauzy scarves and shawls, the colours of which often clashed. Cheryl winced when she saw the red of her teacherâ€™s dress accompanied by the bright yellow of a thick woolen coat.

â€œWe are supposed to start on astrology this year,â€� Professor Kailini said softly, in her deliberately misty voice. â€œHowever, my Inner Eye has informed me that you all will be particularly adept at this subject.â€�

Cheryl beamed. She, Eunice and Minyu were perhaps the biggest fans of horoscopes and planetary Divination in Griffindoor.

â€œAs such I find that there is no need to commence lessons today. All of you may do whatever you wish â€“ though I pray you will not make too much noise. My Inner Eye needs some repose from the noise and bustle of the school.â€�

She withdrew into a chamber and shut the door, leaving the Griffindoors rather surprised.

Muthu broke the silence by giving a perfect imitation of Professor Kailiniâ€™s voice, which led to a lot of laughter. He then whipped out a packet of Exploding Snap cards and turned to the rest with a gleam in his eye. â€œCards, anyone?â€� he called out.

Nearly the whole class flocked to him, clamouring for a turn to play. Cheryl, while jostling for a place, saw Matt bent over a piece of parchment, scribbling. He had already written over an inch in his neat handwriting. In front of him his copy of Interactive Potions was wide open, turned to the page on aardvark bile.

He sensed someone looking at him and glanced up. For a moment he met Cherylâ€™s eyes, and smiled. â€œThe master copy,â€� he said pleasantly.

Cheryl grinned back. She turned round, back to her card game.

At that precise moment the pack of cards exploded.

----------

â€œYour hair looks very good, Cheryl,â€� Professor Helmi remarked an hour later in the Griffindoorsâ€™ Arithmancy class.

Cheryl forced a smile on her face. She had been trying to somehow mend her frayed hair after the incident with the cards, but only succeeded in making it look fractionally less burnt.

----------

â€œWell, you canâ€™t say it wasnâ€™t an interesting first day back,â€� Muthu said in the Griffindoor common room later. The whole bunch of fifth-years had been lamenting about how terrible their first day back at school was. Cheryl especially had taken a big part in abusing their new teachers.

â€œWe already have five assignments!â€� Hu Ping said shrilly.

â€œOne foot for Kiw, two for Siva, two exercises for Helmi and another essay for Mr. Teo. Ainâ€™t that lovely?â€� Matt chimed in from a corner, grinning. He was now deep into his Charms essay.

â€œCan you stop being so irritating and stop doing your assignments?â€� Barnabas said.

Matt shook his head. â€œI canâ€™t stand undone assignments,â€� he said simply. He then held up two pieces of parchment. â€œPotions and Defense Against the Dark Arts, anyone?â€�

They were snatched away from him immediately.

â€œI think weâ€™re all going to die this year,â€� Muthu dead-panned. â€œItâ€™s O.W.L year!â€�

â€œWell, just study hard and youâ€™ll do okay, wonâ€™t you,â€� Matt replied vaguely, as he flicked through his copy of Charms for the Charmed.

â€œHow can we find any time to study with all this homework?â€� Cheryl retorted.

â€œJust donâ€™t do it then,â€� Yi Fan said jokingly.

The rest gave him patronizing looks. Yi Fan rarely did any homework.

Two hours later, the common room was slowly emptying as students went off to their dormitories. Cheryl yawned and put down her quill. At least she had finished her essay on jinxes and hexes. The rest could be dealt with later, she thought, as she walked up slowly to her dormitory. She hoped for the best.

Chapter VI

2004-07-10T17:33:00.000+08:00

Chapter VI

The next morning arrived, bringing with it cold gusts of wind and bruise-coloured storm clouds. It seemed rather as if a translucent curtain had been placed across the sun â€“ it shone bleakly on the black horizon of dawn.

By the time Cheryl had dressed and went down to the Great Hall for breakfast, all her friends were already there, halfway through their toast, cereal and porridge. Eunice, her toast en route to her mouth, realized Cheryl was standing there like a fool and beckoned to her. Cheryl saw that she had a piece of paper in her hand.

â€œTimetables,â€� Eunice said promptly, as soon as Cheryl had arrived at the table and squeezed in between Minyu and her.

â€œWell, how is it?â€� Cheryl asked as she reached out for a piece of toast.

â€œDoesnâ€™t look too good,â€� Minyu chipped in. â€œDouble Potions, Double Defense Against the Dark Arts, Double Divination â€“ can you believe it? Itâ€™s double periods of everything!â€�

Cheryl grabbed a timetable and stared at it for a while. She let out a long groan. Minyu was right â€“ they also had double periods of Arithmancy and Charms.

â€œTwo new teachers, one slacker, one gay â€“ what more can we ask for?â€� Muthu added, shaking his head.

Privately, Cheryl agreed. The only good teacher on their list today was Mr. Teo, who was, well, charming.

â€œHave you all seen it?â€� Two voices chimed from the table to the left. Cheryl turned round, and saw two girls â€“ both members of the schoolâ€™s Drama Society. The short one on the left with a smiling face and eyes framed with spectacles was called Yvonne, and the other one, slightly taller and much darker, again with a smiling face but with a cleft lip, was called Denise. They were both from Huffelpuff â€“ fifth-years as well.

â€œSeen what?â€� Matt asked.

â€œThe first decree,â€� Denise said snidely, her voice tinged with impatience.

â€œThe one which says â€˜Students are not allowed to have fringesâ€™,â€� Yvonne added in, grinning at Matt.

The Griffindoorsâ€™ mouths dropped open. It was the first time in their schooling life that they had been faced with such a ridiculous rule.

â€œAnd just who implemented that rule?â€� Matt asked, disgruntled. He was one of the few boys in the school who did nothing to their hair â€“ as a result they grew fringes.

Denise and Yvonne rolled their eyes again. â€œThe Kiw,â€� they said slowly, with mock awe and wonder.

Matt made a funny noise between a curse and a cough. Apparently he didnâ€™t think much of Professor Molekiw. â€œWhat if we donâ€™t follow the rule?â€� he asked a moment later.

â€œThe studentâ€™s hair will be cut by the Kiw himself,â€� the other two replied, sniggering.

----------

â€œThereâ€™ll be worse to come,â€� Barnabas said later, as they made their way to the dungeons for Potions.

â€œOh, I guess heâ€™ll start banning centre partings,â€� Hu Ping said in mockery of Barnabasâ€™ neatly parted hair. He received a cold, threatening glare and a poke in the stomach as retribution.

â€œWeâ€™ve arrived,â€� Cheryl said dully, to stop the guys from bickering. She sat with Minyu and Eunice at a table in the centre of the room, with the guys behind them. This arrangement was convenient as the girls could simply turn around and ask the guys (who were better in Potions) questions regarding the class. No sooner had they sat down than when the hem of black robes swept into sight, soon followed by the rather formidable figure of Minellus Molekiw. He was wearing a most unpleasant smirk on his face. Cheryl wished she could slap him.

He stood in front of the teacherâ€™s table, and looked at the class, the smirk plastered on his face. Cheryl now had a strong urge to throw her cauldron at him.

â€œWell? I expect to be greeted, you know,â€� he said, eyes glinting malevolently.

He received a dull chorus of â€œGood morning, Professor Molekiw.â€� But Cheryl swore she heard a mocking whisper of â€œGood morning, Professor Mole,â€� coming from behind her.

â€œGood morning,â€� Professor Molekiw replied coldly. â€œAs I am sure you know, I will be your new Potions teacher. Before I start, I must set a few ground rules for this class. First, I expect all homework to be handed in on time. Next, I expect all students to be dressed appropriately and neatly in my classes. Hair is not allowed to grow past the neck of your robes, and gel is not allowed anywhere on your hair. Also, fringes are not allowed to grow past a maximum of 2 cm, something I posted on all House noticeboards today, and something that this student here seems to have ignored...â€�

At this he pointed his wand to Mattâ€™s hair. A second and a flash of light later, Cheryl saw that his fringe was gone and the ends of his hair looked extremely frayed. In fact little wisps of smoke seemed to be floating out of them. The whole class laughed, both at the sight of Mattâ€™s hair and the shocked expression on his face.

â€œYou think itâ€™s funny, do you?â€� Professor Molekiwâ€™s voice said, dangerously soft. â€œYou think itâ€™ll be funny if I did the same to you?â€�

The laughter died immediately.

â€œYou will be sitting for your Ordinary Wizarding Levels this year, and I do not want any of you to fail Potions. In fact I would expect all of you to get an E, if not...â€� he trailed off, smiling evilly.

â€œRight. Now, today we will be concocting a Befuddlement Draught. The instructions are on the blackboard. You have one hour. Begin.â€�

The class set about their potion-making quietly, not daring to do anything that their teacher would disapprove of. Cheryl squinted at the instructions on the blackboard and felt her heart sink. She would probably get befuddled by the instructions even before her potion was finished. She tried to concentrate, weighing out her lionfish spine and ginger roots, but soon found herself looking at a potion that was a bright shade of pink, and not the dark red that was required.

â€œAdd more aardvark bile,â€� she heard Hu Ping hiss from behind her.

â€œThanks,â€� she muttered, but even before she could reach for her aardvark bile she found herself looking at the disgusting face of Minellus Molekiw.

â€œTrying to cheat on your potion?â€� He asked, without waiting for an answer. â€œFive points from Griffindoor,â€� he said, eyes glinting. â€œOh, and another five points for not following the decree,â€� he said to Matt, who was now looking murderous. Matt returned to his potion angrily, sending dark red drops of it everywhere.

With five minutes left, Cheryl feverishly stirred the liquid in her cauldron. It was still a bright shade of red, but at least it was no longer pink. She thanked her lucky stars she had Hu Ping behind her.

â€œYour potion should now be ready,â€� the voice of Professor Molekiw said. â€œCork some in a bottle and leave the sample on the table. You will receive your results next week. In the meantime, write an essay on the uses of aardvark bile in potion-making. I expect no shorter than two feet of parchment. Remember, late homework gets a zero,â€� he said sardonically.

Cheryl quickly left her sample on the table before rushing out of the room, where she was joined by the others, all with ugly looks on their faces.

â€œThe nerve,â€� Matt sputtered. â€œMy hair...â€�

â€œIt looks great,â€� Hu Ping replied sarcastically, though Cheryl could see that he too had been disgusted by Molekiw.

â€œI wasnâ€™t CHEATING!â€� Cheryl shouted. â€œWhatâ€™s his stupid problem?â€�

â€œCalm down, people,â€� Minyu said placidly. â€œNo use getting worked up... though... why did he have to give us TWO feet of parchment?â€�

â€œAt least it wasnâ€™t three,â€� Eunice interjected in an extremely happy voice.

The rest stared at her as if she was E.T. Then, they all burst out into loud complaints again.

â€œ...totally an asshole!â€�

â€œWhatâ€™s his problem?â€�

â€œTWO feet of parchment!â€�

As they walked up to their next class, Cheryl couldnâ€™t help but feel that Professor Molekiw would soon get worse.

She would soon be proved right.

Chapter V

2004-07-03T22:29:00.000+08:00

Chapter V

The castle, from the outside, looked as if it had been somehow transported from somewhere in England or Scotland to Singapore. Well, that was to be expected. Sir Stamford Raffles was bloody British, for goodnessâ€™ sake. He also must have been a person who had delusions of grandeur, for the castle was indeed very grand, though old. There was moss on some walls, which were all solid stone magically put together. In the twilight Cheryl could see the warm glow of candles in the upper towers, which housed the various common rooms and dormitories. Cheryl could already imagine her four-poster bed with the hangings and inviting feather pillows...

As she passed the Entrance Hall into the Great Hall, she noticed something was missing. The hall seemed much bigger than usual. She looked round, wondering, before it came to her suddenly â€“ the decorations were gone.

At the start of the Welcome Feast there were always large House banners hanging above the House tables â€“ orange for Griffindoor, blue for Huffelpuff, yellow for Ravingclaw and green for Slithering. They were the centre of attraction at every feast because they usually had â€œspecial effectsâ€�. For example, Griffindoorâ€™s lion would suddenly roar, or white doves would suddenly appear out of Ravingclawâ€™s two crossed wands. This year, however, they were conspicuous only by their absence.

Cheryl nudged her friends and told them. They were not the only ones to have noticed; people from other Houses were also looking up, their faces puzzled.

â€œWhat happened to our banner?â€� Minyu wailed. â€œI miss it! I miss the orange!â€�

Cheryl rolled her eyes. â€œBah,â€� she said.

The rest looked at her.

â€œNothing,â€� she replied innocently.

She could tell Matt was trying extremely hard not to roll his eyes. To prevent herself from going into a fit of uncontrollable laughter (which was often very infectious and led to stares), she quickly sat down at the Griffindoor table, at the extreme right side of the hall. At the front of the hall she saw the teachersâ€™ table â€“ sitting right at the centre was Professor Smurf, the Headmaster. He was chatting to Mr. Teo on his left, who taught Charms â€“ Mr. Teo had decided long ago to ditch tradition and let students call him â€œMisterâ€�. Next to them was Professor Helmi, Cherylâ€™s Arithmancy teacher, who was deep in conversation with Professor Huda of the Astronomy department. Rumour had it that these two were a couple. To the Headmasterâ€™s right was Transfiguration teacher Professor June, who was laughing very hard at a joke that Professor Tweety, the resident Herbology teacher, had just told her. Right at the end of the table sat a very bored and lonely Professor Lulu, the History of Magic teacher. Between Professors Tweety and Lulu there was one empty seat. The seat at the extreme left of the table was also empty.

â€œAnd soon weâ€™ll find out who exactly they belong to,â€� said Barnabas grimly.

Cheryl looked up, mouth open. How did he know that that was exactly what she was thinking about?

Barnabas looked back down at her, eyebrows raised at her expression of round-eyed surprise. â€œWhat?â€� he said after a pause.

Cheryl stared back.

â€œBah,â€� she said.

----------

Two hours and one hell of a feast later, the Great Hall looked like a repeat of the dinner at The Wacky Wizard, except that this time, it was on a much larger scale. Most of the students were already yawning â€“ after all, eating and talking at the same time required plenty of energy. However, Professor Smurf did not seem to notice any of the studentsâ€™ lethargy â€“ he stood up and raised his hand for silence.

The hall went quiet immediately. The headmaster smiled. â€œAnd so we begin another school year,â€� he began. â€œBut before we begin, I must introduce our two new teachers. Please welcome Sivanesan s/o Makesan, who will be taking the Defence Against the Dark Arts post.â€�

At this Cheryl glanced once again at the staff table. The two empty seats were now occupied. Professor Sivanesan, a rather broodingly handsome young Indian man, had gotten to his feet and bowed, a trace of a smile on his lips.

â€œ...and also Minellus Molekiw, who will be our new Potions master,â€� Professor Smurf continued. There was a smatter of applause for the two new teachers. Apparently no one was really bothered.

Cheryl took a hard look at the man called Minellus Molekiw, her new Potions teacher. She did not like his appearance at all. His skin was sallow, and his eyes glinted with a rather crazed light â€“ rather like that of a lunatic. Moreover, there was a mole on his right cheek. It was twitching rather unpleasantly. His face was so oily it was shining in the bright lights of the Great Hall. Cheryl wondered if this manâ€™s character was as disgusting as his appearance.

Professor Smurf raised his hand again, and once again the hall fell silent. â€œHowever, that is not all,â€� he continued. â€œI must also announce that Professor Molekiw will take on the post of Discipline Master in our school. Apparently the Ministry has seen it necessary to create such a post here in Hogwarts...â€�

He trailed off. Professor Molekiw was whispering something into his ear. The headmaster listened intently before giving a curt nod and sitting back down.

Now Professor Molekiw stood up. He cleared his throat loudly. Cheryl sighed. What on earth did he want to say?

â€œI am pleased to teach at such a prestigious school,â€� he began in a distinctly sour voice. â€œI assure you I will do my utmost best as a Potions teacher. However, I must also inform you that I hold the post of Discipline Master in this school. The post of Discipline Master is something the Minister of Magic deems necessary, given... current events.â€� A smile flickered and died on his lips, which were pursed into a thin line. They made him look like a horse.

â€œAs Discipline Master I will be in charge of maintaining the discipline standards in this school and ensuring that no student goes astray due to bad behaviour. I will also make sure that the school is a conducive learning environment â€“ my first action has been to take down all the decorations, as they will distract you from your studies. I will give you a full review of the discipline standards I expect in this school very soon. I assure you, any student who steps out of line will be punished as he or she deserves. The school will be run the way I want it. Of course, I hope that all of you will co-operate with me, so that my job will be made much easier.â€�

He sat back down, even as Professor Smurf called out, â€œAll students to your dormitories now!â€�

Cheryl joined her friends as they walked out of the Hall and climbed the stairs to Griffindoor Tower. They all bore looks ranging from disgust to shock on their faces.

â€œHeâ€™s really an idiot, isnâ€™t he?â€� Muthu said. â€œThe school will be run the way I want it... he sounds like some power-crazy maniac to me.â€�

â€œI told you the Ministry was interfering here,â€� Barnabas muttered darkly. â€œHeâ€™s even endorsed by the Minister!â€�

â€œWhy did he have to take down the decorations? The orange decorations!â€� Minyu complained.

â€œWell, just as long as he doesnâ€™t set rules that are too strict,â€� Cheryl said. â€œAnd I think he should really do something about his face. Yucks!â€� She shivered, the image of Molekiwâ€™s twitching mole still in her head.

â€œI thought what he said was okay...â€� Eunice said rather thoughtfully.

The rest gave her incredulous looks, but she didnâ€™t notice.

After climbing up the five flights of stairs leading to Griffindoor tower, which was at the north end of the castle, they stood in front of a large portrait of a lady in a rich velvet evening gown. She was certainly pretty. However, she wasnâ€™t looking at all happy, with her arms folded and her eyes trained on something far in the distance. Her stance looked rather like a certain East India Company employeeâ€™s...

â€œHedgehog quill, Lady Raffles,â€� Matt said to the portrait. â€œA Prefect told me,â€� he said nonchalantly to the others gathered round.

Lady Raffles gave a prim nod, and the portrait swung open to reveal the warm, cosy Griffindoor common room. It was certainly a large room â€“ there were over ten long tables in it, each accompanied by a collection of mismatched chairs â€“ plush armchairs, wooden, hard-backed ones, and stools. On the left side of the room there were the tall windows, now wide open. On the right side was a long noticeboard. At the end of the room, right in front of the Griffindoors, were the two staircases that would lead to their dormitories.

The Griffindoors tumbled in, most of them yawning. Cheryl did not stop by the noticeboard to see whatever notices were there, but instead said her goodnights to her friends and ambled up to her dormitory. There she was greeted by her four-poster bed with the hangings and inviting feather pillows.

She could not resist.

Chapter IV

2004-06-27T16:37:00.000+08:00

Chapter IV

â€œHey, sleepyhead! Wake up!â€� Cherie was shouting at her sister in an effort to rouse her. Cheryl did not respond until she received a nasty poke to her stomach. She jolted up, and groaned when she saw her sisterâ€™s mischievously smiling face. Just then Matt and Muthu entered the room. Both of them had already changed into their robes and seemed very surprised that Cheryl had just awoken.

â€œWell, hurry up, the carriages are leaving in an hour, and thereâ€™s breakfast downstairs...â€� Matt said impatiently.

Cheryl stared, bleary-eyed, at him, before finally getting to her feet. As she walked into the adjoining bathroom and shut the door, she distinctly heard Matt ask, â€œIs she always like this?â€�

----------

Forty-five minutes later they were all assembled in the pub below. The Hogwarts students were looking very odd indeed, with their robes and various trunks in stark contrast to their families, who were still in Muggle attire. They were chivvied out by Bill, the innkeeper, who kept on shouting â€œYouâ€™re late! Youâ€™re late!â€� Cheryl thought it was more likely that they were blocking the entrance of the inn and that Bill wanted them out.

They made their way out of the inn and walked briskly down the alley. At the end of the alley they turned right, into a lane which led to a large open space â€“ it was about the size of a town square. The space was not as empty, though. There were nearly thirty black horseless carriages there. Hogwarts students were milling around, making it seem as if the space was some shimmering deep-blue sea. After saying their goodbyes to their families (Cheryl was more than happy to leave her sister behind), Cheryl, Muthu and Matt made their way onto one of the carriages. They were soon joined by their fellow Griffindoor fifth-years Minyu, Hu Ping, Barnabas, Yi Fan and Eunice. The carriages had had Engorgement Charms placed on them â€“ though they looked small from the outside, the eight of them could fit inside comfortably. Their trunks went into a separate wagon attached to the carriage.

A few minutes later their carriage began to move. â€œHold on tight!â€� Minyu shouted, as the carriages suddenly began to lift off the ground of their own accord â€“ or perhaps there were invisible horses pulling the carriages. Soon they were cruising in the sky, passing so close to those fluffy cumulus clouds it felt as if they could touch them. Cheryl, having taken the seat nearest to the window, was enjoying the view of the Central Business District, slowly moving on to tidy HDB estates, which slowly became more sparse as they travelled westward.

â€œWonder whatâ€™d happen if a Muggle saw these carriages...â€� Yi Fan mused.

Matt sighed. â€œMuggles canâ€™t see these carriages â€“ when the carriages take off, an Invisibility Charm is activated and they all become invisible.â€�

â€œCool!â€� Yi Fan replied, his eyes round with amazement. His shoulders drooped slightly as he said quietly, â€œI wish I could do magic like that...â€�

No one said anything. They all knew that Yi Fan had barely scraped through fourth year with his poor grades.

They all kept quiet for a while, not knowing what to say. The awkwardness was finally broken when Hu Ping asked, â€œWho dâ€™you think will take the vacant teaching posts?â€�

â€œMy dad reckons theyâ€™ll be people from the Ministry. I mean, now that You-Know-Whoâ€™s back, the Ministryâ€™s worrying that he can somehow spread his influence here. So theyâ€™ll be â€œimplantingâ€� Ministry officials as teachers in order to see that all goes well at school.â€� Barnabas said darkly.

â€œI say, thatâ€™s nonsense,â€� Eunice retorted. â€œAbout You-Know-Who coming here, I mean. In the first place, thereâ€™re so few wizards here that heâ€™ll find it hard to find people to bewitch and whatnot. And why would he care about small fry like Singapore anyway?â€�

â€œWell, hey, he tried to kill Harry Potter, who was a baby...â€� Cheryl piped up. â€œAnd did I tell you how handsome Harry is nowâ€¦â€�

The rest rolled their eyes. Cheryl continued dreaming, a faraway look in her eyes.

â€œWeâ€™re slowing down,â€� Muthu said, peering out.

The carriage did indeed seem to be slowing down â€“ it soon descended and landed on a grass clearing right in front of the castle. All around them carriages were landing. It was a queer sight â€“ this whole posse of black carriages, flying by themselves.

â€œWeâ€™re just in time for the feast,â€� Barnabas said.

Cheryl nodded fervently. Having rushed that morning, she had had no time to take breakfast. Quickly, together with her friends, she joined the stream of students entering the castle.

Chapter III

2004-06-23T21:37:00.000+08:00

Chapter III

The interior of The Wacky Wizard was â€“ in one word â€“ smoky. Wizards were sitting at tables with rather mismatched chairs, either reading the latest edition of Transfiguration Today or the local wizard paper, The Daily Chronicle. Most of them had a pipe and were smoking. What it was Cheryl didnâ€™t know, but it sure stank. It smelt like burning rubber.

The trio edged their way past the crowded tables and to the back of the inn, where all the private parlours were situated. Just as they passed Parlour 1 Cheryl heard a rather familiar voice.

â€œWell, Iâ€™m not too sure, Minellus, itâ€™s just so odd...â€� the voice had a rather fruity note to it. It was so familiar... suddenly it clicked â€“ it was Percival Tan, the Minister of Magic. Cheryl pressed her ear to the door. What business did the Minister have in the Wacky Wizard?

â€œCheryl! Whatâ€™re you doing?â€�

Cheryl jumped. Muthu was staring at her.

â€œNothing... er, tying my laces... you go in first...â€� As Muthu disappeared behind the next door, Cheryl chanced a peek. As the door had not been closed properly, there was a tiny crack through which she could see. She could see the Minister â€“ he looked slightly puzzled. There was a bottle of wine on the table in front of him â€“ the wine looked abnormally red. Almost like blood...

â€œWhy donâ€™t you take a drink, Minister,â€� another manâ€™s voice said, sourly. Cheryl saw the Minister take a sip of the wine. Suddenly she felt something brush by her. She yelped, only to realize that it was the resident tabby cat of the inn. Breathing a sigh of relief, she resumed peeking, only to see the Minister look rather dreamy, his eyes unfocused. He uttered a nonchalant â€œYes.â€�

â€œSo if youâ€™ll just sign here, Minister...â€� the other man handed over a piece of paper.

â€œCheryl! Hurry up!â€� This time it was Matt at the door, staring at her queer stance.

â€œComing,â€� Cheryl replied, as she straightened up. She put the scene she had just witnessed out of her mind. It wasnâ€™t her business anyway.

----------

It was a thoroughly enjoyable meal, consisting of many, many delightful dishes whipped up by the resident chef at the Wacky Wizard. They were all sitting back in their comfy chairs, replete and relaxed, chatting amongst themselves. Cheryl finished the last of her durian puff and groaned.

â€œMy jeans feel tighter,â€� she complained. Everyone laughed indulgently, for they too had eaten fit to burst.

â€œTime to go to bed, kids,â€� Mr. Cheah said, yawning. â€œYou all have an early day tomorrow.â€�

No one argued â€“ the food was making them feel very, very drowsy. Cheryl climbed the stairs up to her room and collapsed on her bed. She had just enough time to close the hangings before falling into a deep sleep, the taste of durian still on her lips...

Chapter II

2004-06-21T19:22:00.000+08:00

Chapter II

Cheryl spun round to see a boy of around 15 grinning at her. He had clearly suffered from the ravages of acne â€“ there were still some pimples on his once-chubby face, which was now rather thin. His twinkling eyes were framed by grayish-blue glasses and his fringe hung rather heavily over his forehead. Even as he spoke he pushed it up. Dressed in shorts and a bright orange tee, he looked every inch an ordinary Muggle, yet he was also a wizard, by the name of Matthew Chia.

â€œâ€™Morning, Uncle, Aunty,â€� he said, turning to Cherylâ€™s parents, who nodded back. â€œI daresay youâ€™d like to talk to my parents? Theyâ€™re in the inn,â€� he said, winking. Mr. and Mrs. Cheah smiled and went off down the street, dragging Cherie with them.

â€œCâ€™mon, letâ€™s go get our books,â€� Matt said.

The street they were walking on was the only magical one in the whole of Singapore. Small shophouses lined it, filled with a dazzling array of wizarding... stuff. Many of the shophouses were made out of marble, giving the street a white shine that was brought out by the golden sunlight. In fact, the whole street was so white it looked as if everything had been scrubbed clean. The cobbled street was packed. Some wizards were wearing Muggle outfits â€“ others had opted for more ambiguous gauzy shawls, scarves, and robes. A large crowd was gathered round Quality Quidditch Supplies â€“ the store was, of course, an enterprising Singaporean franchise of the British original. The crowd was oohing and aahing at the Firebolt in the window â€“ broomstick imports always came in rather late.

Meanwhile to their right was My Magical Best Friend, the pet store. Hoots, coos, purrs and various discomforting squeals were emanating from the dim interior. Walking on, Cheryl and Matt passed Farquharâ€™s Freaky Factory â€“ William Farquhar was the first chronicled creator of a joke shop. Soon they came to Rafflesâ€™ Publishers, where they were to buy their books. The place was overflowing with students â€“ Cheryl recognized Wee Minyu, Chng Hu Ping, Chew Yi Fan and Jaslyn Leong, and waved frantically to them. Meanwhile, Matt was speaking to the shop attendant.

"...yes, we need two copies of Jinxes for the Jinxed and Hexes for the Helpless... yes, two copies... no, I donâ€™t want to copy them, I want two copies...â€�

They left the store a few minutes later, moneybags considerably lighter and bags much heavier. The books this year were unusually thick. And expensive.

â€œHey Cheryl! Matt! CHERYL!â€� someone was shouting. Cheryl turned round and saw yet another friend, Muthu. He had never revealed his real name to them and had always insisted they call him Muthu, even though he wasnâ€™t Indian in the slightest. He was rather dark though. Cheryl noticed that he was much taller than when she last saw him the previous year. She sighed. Everyone was growing except herself.

â€œI thought youâ€™d already bought all your stuff long ago?â€� Cheryl asked.

â€œWell, my parents decided to let me stay the night at The Wacky Wizardâ€¦ you are too, arenâ€™t you? And Matt?â€�

The other two nodded, and they continued ambling down the street, talking about how they had spent the holidays, about their homework (which had been horrendously difficult and tedious) and the coming school term. They went to the apothecary to get their potion ingredients (Cherylâ€™s supplies of hedgehog quills and moonstone were running low). Very soon it was evening, and the sun was setting on a blood-red horizon. The shophouses in Change Alley were bathed in gold, orange, pink and purple, and the lamps suddenly came to life, giving out soft yellow light.

The trio made their way to a small inn near the end of the alley. A sign hanging at its entrance proclaimed it as â€œThe Wacky Wizard Inn â€“ the best in town!â€�

â€œWell, obviously itâ€™s the best, itâ€™s the only one in town,â€� said Matt dryly. They passed the large bronze statue of a wizard in top hat prancing about and went inside the inn.

Chapter I

2004-06-18T20:30:00.000+08:00

Chapter I

In one of the rooms of a seemingly-ordinary unit in a housing block, a fifteen-year-old girl lay sleeping. Everything about this girl seemed normal, from her long dark hair down to the tips of her toes. Yet a look around her room clearly showed that she was not what you and I would call â€œordinaryâ€�. Various books lay scattered on the floor with names such as Intermediate Transfiguration and Charms for the Charmed â€“ An Intermediate Course. On a study table nearby lay several quills, ink bottles, pieces of yellowing parchment, and most mysteriously â€“ a wand. The posters on the walls were of boybands and handsome singers â€“ but unlike normal posters, the people in those posters were moving, flashing their plastic smiles or mouthing lyrics. The clothes spread out on the chair were not your normal T-shirt and jeans, but long, deep-blue robes.

Cheryl Cheah was a witch.

Even as a solitary ray of light fell on her sleeping form, there was a loud knock on the door, and muffled shouts of â€œWake up, sleepyhead!â€�

The girl stirred, and with a yawn, sat up on her bed. Putting on her glasses, she looked up at the clock on the wall. It was 9.30 a.m.

Throwing a disgusted look at the door (the shouts were becoming louder, progressing to not-so-subtle insults like â€œWake up, you pig!â€�) she shouted, â€œComing!â€� and got out of bed. She wished she could have slept longer. After all, she had slept at 2 a.m. that morning, having stayed up to celebrate the New Year.

After getting dressed and taking a shower, she made her way to the kitchen, finding her family seated round the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting breakfast. â€œâ€™Morning, sleepyhead,â€� a man at the head of the table said, smiling.

Cheryl grinned back at her father, and sat down at the table. Soon enough she was eating her way through her bacon and eggs with gusto.

â€œYou better hurry and get your stuff packed, weâ€™re leaving at 10.30 to get your books,â€� her mother said, pointing her wand to the plates in the sink. The tap immediately turned on by itself and a sponge started scrubbing the plates. â€œAnd, by the way, itâ€™s already 10.15,â€� Mrs. Cheah said with a small smile.

Cheryl choked. Swallowing down the last of her egg, she rushed to her room. She eyed the mess her room was in with horror. Apparently she had not bothered to clear up in the two months of her holiday. Well, she had to pay for her laziness now. Hastily, she threw her robes into a trunk and her books and writing materials into a sling bag. Then snatching her wand from the table, she quickly surveyed the room once again to see if she had left anything behind, before dragging both trunk and sling bag into the hall.

â€œWell, that was quick,â€� her father said dryly. â€œCome on, letâ€™s go.â€�

They made their way downstairs and into a car, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, though how to be inconspicuous with a large trunk and a piece of wood sticking out of your jeansâ€™ back pocket I donâ€™t know. Soon they were off, heading out of the suburban haven of Tampines towards town.

The journey was rather quick â€“ Cheryl had barely settled down before they screeched to a halt in front of a tall, imposing building. A sign over the nearest entrance read â€œChange Alleyâ€�. Quickly, they made their way through the entrance and down a rather deserted corridor, stopping in front of an ice cream stall. There was only one person there â€“ a young man of about 20, who was manning the stall.

â€œâ€™Morning, Basil,â€� Mr. Cheah said briskly. The man named Basil grinned back and waved to Cheryl and her sister Cherie, who were both looking longingly at the many tubs of ice cream on display.

â€œCome on, letâ€™s go before a Muggle sees,â€� Mrs. Cheah whispered, as the family made their way to the front of a large glass pane at the back of the stall. â€œCheryl, you go first.â€�

Cheryl took a deep breath before walking straight through the barrier. It felt as if cool water was cascading down from the ceiling. Yet when she emerged from the other side, she was still perfectly dry. A few moments later she was joined by her family once again.

â€œWelcome to Change Alley,â€� a voice said.

Prologue

2004-06-18T16:30:00.000+08:00

Prologue

400 years ago, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was set up in the north of Britain. There it functioned happily for almost 200 years, being one of the few wizarding schools in the world. No matter.

In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles of the East India Company discovered a tiny isle on the tip of the Malayan peninsula. This island soon came to be known as Singapore. Sir Raffles did much for the development of Singapore â€“ changing it from a sleepy, rural island to a bustling trade centre. He set up many schools for the population, and many children benefited from his initiative.

Not many people know, however, that Sir Raffles was in fact a wizard.

He had attended Hogwarts when young, and had emerged a fresh-faced graduate with a N.E.W.T in Muggle Studies. As thus he joined the East India Trading Company, planning to carry out the admirable mission of setting up schools for wizards and witches wherever he went.

And so, in a remote corner of Singapore, he created a school with the help of a few fellow wizards (one of the most notable was of course, William Farquhar). Having no knowledge of Singaporean names or customs, he named the school Hogwarts, after its British counterpart. He was careful enough, however, to add â€œSingapore branchâ€� beside the name.

He too mimicked the tradition of Sorting students and having Houses. However, having a rather (notoriously) poor memory, he misnamed the four Houses Griffindoor, Huffelpuff, Ravingclaw and Slithering. His colleagues, being too exasperated to correct him, let the names be. And so Hogwarts â€“ Singapore Branch â€“ was set up.

A hundred and eighty-five years onâ€¦

Preface

2004-06-16T21:08:00.000+08:00

Preface

Okay, so this is my other blog - for my writing. I don't expect I shall write very often, but when I do I will post here. I don't plan on adding links, but I'll link this from my other blog. I'm not adding a tagboard either - so please use the comments system. Besides, if there's long posts of criticism you can't fit them into a tagboard anyway. =P Or if you're really lazy you can just use the tagboard at my main blog...

It'll be a Harry Potter fanfic - with real characters, i.e. the characters are all people I know. So, erm, any resemblance to people is purely coincidental. =D I know I didn't ask permission to use your names for most people, but I hope you don't mind. I assure you, none of you are evil. And it is never, ever meant to be offensive. It's supposed to be good fun, so I hope everyone's okay with that.

Well, I don't think my writing's very good. But I hope whoever reads will like it anyway.