escape into another world {OPEN}

[shailene]

It was late morning on a Sunday and the library was actually empty besides for the librarian and Shailene who woke up rather early instead of sleeping in. Most students slept in late on Sundays to catch up on the lack of sleep during the week. But for some reason Shailene just didn't want to waste the day in bed even though she really didn't have anything she had to do. Before leaving her room downstairs in the Hufflepuff sleeping quarters she grabbed the latest book she had been working on and headed up to the library. Shailene was only too pleased to discover that the library was empty it was the perfect condition to have absolute silence while she slipped from her reality into that of another's. This was by far the main reason she cherished books. If they were well written she could escape her own problems and take on another adventure that was so unlike her own.

Shailene walked around the library for a short while trying to decide upon where she wanted to sit. So found a nice little table in the back corner. A window was right above it and Shailene grabbed the chair that was facing away from the window so she could use the sunlight as her reading light. She opened the book, which looked fairly new besides for the dog ear marks that had held her previous spots. The book was called Water For Elephants. It was a muggle book, one released in 2006 which was quite awhile ago a few years before she was born. Shailene wondered if the book was now considered a classic. Water For Elephants was an amazing love story and it took place around a cirius in the late 1920s, a time Shailene could hardly imagine perhaps that was what caught her attention. Shailene was not far into the book maybe just a six chapters in but it had already became one of her favorites. She hoped it all ended well because she would hate to end up disliking the book after reading it.

Shailene sat at the table, sunlight pouring in behind her alluminating the words on the page. Her brown hair hung of her shoulder almost creating a curtain over her face as she bent forward to read the book. She was so involved in the story that she was unaware of someone else approaching her.

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[bonbon]

Saturday morning. No classes. Homework all done. Loads of free time. Perfect time for some research at the library! Hughes meandered into the empty and quiet chamber with five books in his arms and about five more in the bag slung over his shoulder. He wanted to design and do the experiment over the summer, but then there was a whole moving to another country thing that had to happen. Plus, there was some weird rule saying that students are forbidden to do any magic outside of school in England. It was suffice to say that Hughes was more than itching to get this research and experiment underway. He found himself a somewhat large table in the back of the library. There was a girl sitting at a smaller table across from him, but she seemed engrossed in whatever she was reading. Hughes pulled out a chair from his table and gently accidentally slammed his materials onto the table. A little too much force, and a slight thunk sounded like a clap of thunder in the silent room. "Whoops.." he silently whispered and sat down at the table.

Two piles were laid out before him. One pile were books about the nature of spells and the deep properties of magic. The only pile of books was all about physics and vector mathematics. Hughes also pulled out his ink and quill and a large five-subject notebook. He turned to a blank page and started writing.

Observations
Ever since I started my studies at wizarding school, I've always been fascinated by the very nature of magic, such as how spells behave when cast. When watching duels, I have noticed that certain spells emit light, but yet does not travel at the speed of light, for the receiver of the spell has a chance to avoid its path. There are also spells that do not emit light, and travel much faster than the ones that do. Is light actually preventing the a spell to travel at or greater than c?

First, I need to understand the speed at which spells with light travel and the speed at which spells without light travel. Some spells that emit light also emit sound, so I wonder if it is the sound barrier breaking, meaning that its speed is somewhere between the speed of sound and c. Does that mean that spells that emit light that are also silent travel even slower then sound?
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Hughes stopped writing and looked up and around the library to see if he was being watched. He grabbed two books from the magic pile and opened them. One was on charms, and one was on the dark arts. His quill started to dart across the page again as took notes.

[joshua]

Josh slowly opened his heavy eyes from the longest sleep he has had in a long time. Still groggy, he looked over at the clock - 10:50a.m. It took a second for the image to set in, but once it did, Josh jumped out of bed and rushed over to his trunk and threw a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on. He slipped on his boat shoes and ran out of the room. Running down the stairs to the common room, Josh thought to himself "How could I have slept so long?" Josh had one last homework assignment to do, for his muggle studies class. Josh knew that his assignment wasn't due for another week, but he wanted to get a good jump on it for the week so he would have the opportunity to take on some extra credit tasks.

Josh left the common room and rushed toward the library. He needed to check out a book that he had read once before, Water for Elephants, but it had been a long time ago. Josh hoped that he wasn't too late to check out the book because he had no other way of retrieving it.

A loud 'bang' accompanied Josh's entry into the library, which made Josh think to himself "Inconsiderate... it's the library." Not worry much more about it though, Josh headed over to the librarian asking for the book. After Josh was pointed in the right direction, he calmly walked over to the section in the back corner where he could find the book. Much to Josh's surprise, there was hardly anybody in the library, save Hughes working at a table, and a Hufflepuff girl, Shailene, who was diligently reading in the corner.

Disappointment overcame Josh's body when he couldn't find a copy of Water for Elephants. As Josh continued to look throughout the section, he walked a little closer to where Shailene was sitting. He casually glanced over and saw a recognizable cover. Josh did a double-take, it was Water for Elephants.

Although Josh hadn't really spoken to Shailene much, he still walked to where she was sitting, and plopped himself in the chair across the table from her. He looked back toward Hughes, who looked extremely curious while he glanced over all of the books he had. Josh turned his attention back to Shailene, and couldn't really think of much to say except:

"Getting a jump on the Muggle studies homework?"

Josh had no idea if Shailene was even in muggle studies, but he couldn't start the conversation without relating it to homework in someway. Josh kept a friendly look on his face as he waited for a response.

[shailene]

Another chapter was behind her as she continued to be enthralled by the words on the page. Sometimes she felt as if she couldn't read it fast enough, fearing that if she didn't get through it soon enough the whole story would disappear before her. It was a silly notion but that was exactly how Shailene felt when she was truly into the storyline of a novel. With each turning of a page Shailene really wanted to be in the story, to experience a circus. It sounded amazing even with the saddening events and mistreatment of the animals, she was sure these sins couldn't possibly go on now. Shailene was rooting for Marlena and Jacob to somehow make it through everything and that they would somehow figure out a way for Rosie to preform.

A loud thump jerked Shailene out of her imaginary world and into her reality. She let out a small yelp before realizing that someone had decided to use the table across from her. Shailene didn't want to be rude but she had wished he had picked another table in the library, there were plenty of empty ones. But Shailene wouldn't voice this wish out loud for fear of hurting his feelings. "You know you really ought to keep it down. Its rude to make too much noise, especially in the library." Shailene said to the boy in a quiet and nice way.

Shailene glanced away from the boy who seemed to be busy seeing as he had two separate piles of books in front of him. She wondered what he was doing because surely he didn't have this much homework in the beginning of the year, but it was none of her business so she began to focus on the words before her. She was getting swept away into the story again when she was disrupted again though she wasn't mad about this at all.

Shailene looked up at a guy she knew to be named Joshua who was asking her about some muggle studies homework. "Muggle studies?" She asked in a bit of confusion. "I'm afraid I have no idea what you are talking about, I don't take that course anymore." Shailene stated. She offered a friendly smile to the guy. "Are you guys reading this book in that class?" She asked, a bit of excitement leaking into her voice.

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[joshua]

Embarrassed with her response, Josh flushed up a bit. He wasn't the guy who just tried to start a conversation with a girl, and he hoped that Shailene didn't think he was like that. Still, Josh maintained his composure and a positive air about him. Chuckling a bit at himself for the thoughts rushing through his head, Josh said to Shailene, "Yeah. The professor wants us to read this book because he thinks it's one of the best muggle books in recent times. I have read it before, and I must say that I agree with him. It felt like I got lost in that book while I read it."

Josh sit up in his chair a little bit, he wasn't really too sure whether or not he had introduced himself formally to Shailene, but of course, he already knew who she was. He had seen her around the castle a couple times, and has overheard her name being said. Josh was more of a listener because he felt that you learned more about anything that way, especially people. You watch the way that they interact with one another, and one can easily make assumptions about how a person is. Josh liked Shailene though, she was always nice around the castle, and he's never heard anything negative about her, so that made him a bit more comfortable.

"I don't think we've actually been formally introduced. I'm Josh, Josh Scitz." Josh said as he held his hand out for a handshake.

[shailene]

Bending the top right corner of her page Shailene marked her spot in the book. Now that she closed it and put it aside she would be able to pick up right where she left off. Since Joshua had sat down at the table with her she didn't want to be rude and keep glancing at the book. She knew that if the book was to stay open Shailene might block him out and try to read. But honestly she couldn't help it the book was so addicting she had to know what happened. Shailene pushed the book away from her just a bit as to not be tempted to pick it up.

Shailene noticed the slight redness in Joshua's cheeks and wondered why he did so. After hearing that they were reading the book in muggle studies Shailene frowned. Why did I have to give that class up? She asked herself with a bit of frustration. "I really wish I had taken that class up this year again. I just wasn't sure if it was something I really needed to focus on anymore." Shailene stated. She was surprised to hear that Joshua had read it before, she didn't think many people from this world read muggle books. "Please don't tell me what happened." She said really quickly. She was afraid that Joshua might start talking about it and ruin it for her. "The book is very well written that it sort of takes you into that world." She said agreeing with him.

Shailene smiled at him, she never expected this to happen today. Shailene had assumed she would spend her day finishing this book in the library, have her meals, and work on some homework. But instead Shailene was lucky enough to have someone to converse with about the book. "Have you ever been to the circus?" She asked suddenly, hoping that maybe he had so he could explain it to her more.

"Yes I do believe you are right. Hi Joshua, I'm Shailene Wood." She said just before reaching her hand out to place in Joshua's warm hand. "Nice to meet you" She smiled once more.

Notes: Shailene is actually going to take Muggle Studies. We have a professor now and I wrote the post before I plotted with the Muggle Studies professor.

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[joshua]

357EC7

Josh thought about discussing the book more with Shailene, but when she said she hadn't finished it yet, the thoughts left Josh's mind. He noticed that she gently put the book down to continue the conversation with Josh, which was a good sign, it meant that Josh wasn't a complete social newbie. Josh smiled as Shailene talked about getting lost in the book, he knew that feeling all too well. He constantly had to bring himself back from an excellent book, back to the real world where things weren't nearly as interesting.

"I have that problem all the time, if I love a book, I will read and read until I am wrapped up in the story. It's an amazing feeling though, makes reading so much more worth it." Josh told Shailene with a joyous expression on his face. When she asked about the circus, Josh began thinking back when his parents would take him to all the events in Chicago. When he was little, the circus used to be one of his favorites. "The circus is amazing. There was always just so much going on. Acrobats flying through the air with ease. Ring Masters controlling lions and tigers with only a whip. Elephants doing tricks on command. Just an awesome show to watch. One perk of having muggles for parents, I get to experience more than just the wizarding world."

[shailene]

The two of them were sitting at the table just talking away the morning and into the afternoon. Shailene was quite pleased of how her day turned out and was enjoying Joshua's company very much. She was grateful that he didn't continue to talk about the book itself as to not ruin it for her. Shailene despised when people did that even if it happened to be an accident. Although she wouldn't be mad at them she would just be frustrated that a story or movie was ruined for her. She enjoyed the time she spent inside the characters' minds wondering what was going to happen next.

Shailene let out a slight laugh as Joshua explained how he would read and read until he was into the story complete. It was a feeling she could share. Shailene leaned closer to him not wanting anyone else to hear what she was about to say. "Do you ever feel like if you don't read it fast enough somehow the words are going to disappear off the page?" Shailene asked in a whisper, leaning back into her original position. She felt embarrassed that she just revealed that about herself. She just laughed a bit at her own self and tried not to blush.

As soon as Joshua began to speak of the circus Shailene zeroed in on him paying attention to every word. She closed her eyes as she tried to picture it. Small, athletic bodies flying through the air and swinging to one another. A lion swiping its massive paw at the ringmaster his only protection being a whip that crack in the air like a firework. An Elephant slowly moving on a ball for peanuts. It was so clear in her head. Shailene let out a small sigh of wonder. "You are so lucky. I have wizarding parents who don't know much about the muggle world. I would just love the circus. I'm going to drag my parent's there next summer." Shailene said.

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[joshua]

Josh was amazed about how long the two of them had been talking. He hadn't really expected for this day to turn into such a good day, but he was glad it did. Sometimes it was nice to escape the world of books and papers and just take some time to have a conversation with another person - especially such a nice girl who shares the same passion. Josh chuckled slightly at Shailene's comment about the words disappearing off of pages, looked her straight in the eyes and said "All of the time. I always thought it was foolish, but I can't help it."

As Josh thought back to the years when he went to the circus, he could swear that they used magic. Some of the acts that they performed were just so incredible, he was now surprised that they could do them without the aid of magic. Back then, of course, Josh knew nothing of magic. That was one reason why Josh loved being a muggle-born, he learns something new everyday, and he could aid his classmates in learning more about his world as well. "That kind of sucks about your parents. I mean, I don't know how that goes though, just because my parents want to know everything about the wizarding world. Maybe if they just saw somethings, they'd be more curious about their world too?"

[shailene]

Time was flying by and Shailene was paying no mind to the change of light in the library. She was enjoying herself very much talking and laughing with Joshua. It was nice to kick back and just have an actual conversation with someone, especially with a person who seemed so interested in the topic at hand. Shailene was no longer disappointed about be disrupted from her book. All morning she had been wanting to read and possible finish her book and now she is hardly far from the page she left off the last time she picked it up. But she wouldn't trade this day for the world. Shailene was glad to have finally met Joshua and actually talked to him. She wished the two would of happened upon each other sooner in their lives but Shailene believed everything happened for a reason.

When Joshua admitted to feeling the same way about the books as her she nearly jumped with glee. "Really?" She asked happily as she reached for his arm. "You are the first person I've ever told that to. I always thought it was so silly I was too embarrassed to admit that to anyone. Not even my parent's or siblings know." Shailene said rather quickly. Shailene was too caught up in the moment she hadn't realized she was becoming louder and the librarian did not hesitate to shush them. Shailene gave the lady an apologetic look and returned to the conversation with Joshua.

"Well I don't think its that they don't want to know, I tend to believe it has more to do with the fact that they don't know where to start. I mean being introduced into a whole new world has to be hard, right?" Shailene asked Joshua knowing he would understand that. Shailene, of course, couldn't because the wizarding world was all she knew she could only imagine what it would be like to be a muggleborn. At least as a child from the wizarding world they were taught about muggles but muggles never knew about wizards and witches unless they were one of them.

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[joshua]

Josh looked toward the window and saw that the bright sun had faded away to an evening dusk, but Josh didn't really mind that he spent most of his whole day at the library. He was making a new friend and talking about something that they both loved. As Shailene's hand grabbed his arm, Josh grinned a bit. It was amazing to find someone with the same passion as he had.

"It's crazy to know that some people just don't understand where we are coming from. While some people get their kicks from playing games and such, I just read. It's amazing."

As Shailene talked about the differences between the Wizarding and non-Wizarding world, Josh got to thinking. It was so weird how much the Wizarding world learned about muggles, but muggles don't even know that Wizards exist. Kind of unfair if you asked Josh, but he didn't mind too much. He had to hide a part of himself from all of his friends at home, who had no idea that he was over-seas at a Wizarding institute, but it wasn't all bad.

"It definitely is a new experience. Getting thrown into this whole new world really can be over-whelming, but with everyone's help, it got easier over time."

((OOC Sorry it took so long. I was at the Indy 500 all weekend and just got back yesterday!))

[shailene]

The day was fading away quickly and Shailene stomach started to rumble, hopefully it wasn't loud enough for Josh to hear. They had been so caught up in their conversation that Shailene had forgotten about everything. Forgot to finish her book, didn't think about food or homework. The day was ending and Shailene hadn't done much. Although she did accomplish making a new friend that she really enjoyed talking to. It was rare to find someone that just clicked.

"Yeah it is crazy. I prefer to read and sing more than anything else in the world. Pranks and games don't hold my attention very long." Shailene said, agreeing with Josh. Shailene knew it must of been difficult to come into this world while already being adjusted to another, as well as it was hard for Wizards to understand anything about muggles. There was just a gap, one that let hatrd in due to the differences between the people, a gap that Shailene wished never existed. "Yeah I bet. I'm glad you are so fond of this world." Shailene said with a smile.

Note:: sorry my muse for this thread went away, so excuse the lame post.

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